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THE CHRISTIAN YEAR. |
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f IjfOitgMs in Ucrs^ |
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FOR THE |
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SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS |
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THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. |
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EY THE |
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EEV. JOHN KEBLE. |
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In quietness and in confidence sliall be your str.nglh. Isaiah xxx. 15. |
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PHILADELPHIA : |
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DUFFIELD ASHMEAD, |
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No. 721 Chestnut Ctkeet. |
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1870. |
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T^V-ifXt |
ITHE NEW YORK
'public UBRARY
A8TO«, LENOX AHO TtLO£N F0i.iNC*.TIONft,
AD"VERTISEMENT.
cd
Next to a sound rule of faith, there is nothirg of so much consequence as a sober s:andard of feeling in matters of practical religion : and it is the peculiar happiness of the Church of England to possess, in her authorized formularies, an ample and secure provision for both. But in times of much leisure and unbounded curiosity, when ex- citement of every kind is sought after -with a morbid eagerness, this part of the merit of our Liturgy, is likely in some measure to be lost, on many even of its sincere admirers : the very tem- *■ pers which, most require such discipline, setting themselves, in general, most decidedly against it.
The object of the present publication will be a aired, if any person find assistance from it in
(iii)
JV ADVERTISEMENT.
bringing his own thoughts and feelings into mere entire unison Avith those recommended and exem- plified in the Prayer Book. The Avork does not furnish a complete series of compositions ; being, in many parts, rather adapted with more or less propriety to the successive portions of the Liturgy, than originally suggested by them. Something has been added at the end concerning the several Occasional Services : which constitute, from their personal and domestic nature, the most perfect instance of that soothing tendency in the Pra3'er Book, wliich it is the chief purpose of these pages to exhibit.
MiY 30th, 1827.
CONTENTS
FASB
Mcrning . . 9
Evening 12
Advent Snnda / 14
Second Sundaj- in Advent. Tlie, Signs of the Times , . 17
Third Sunday ia Advent. The Travellers - - . 20
Fourth Sunday in Advent. Dimness 22
Christmas Day 25
St Stephen's Day 28
St. John's Day SO
The Holy Innocents S2
First Sunday after Christmas. The Sun-dial of Ahaz . .34
The Circumcision SG
Second Su::day after Christmas. The Pilgrim's Somj . . 39
The Epiphany 42
First Sunday after Epiphany. The Nightingale . . .44 Second Sunday after Epiphany. The Secret of Perpetual
Youth 46
Third Sunday after Epiphany. The Good Centurion . . 49 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. The World is for Excitement,
the Gcspelfor Soothing . . 52
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. Cure Sin and you cure Sorrow 55
Sixth Sundav after Epiphany. TJie B.nefds of Uncertainty . 58
1* (V)
CONTENTS.
Septuagcsima Sunday ....
Sexagesima Sunday
Quinquagesima Sunday
Ash-Wednesday
First Sunday in Lent. The City of Refuge .
Second Sunday in Lent. Esau's Forfeit
Third Sunday in Lent. Tlie Spoils of Satan
Fourth Sunday in Lent. The Rose-hud
Fifth Sunday in Lent. The Burning Bush .
Sunday next before Easter. The Children in the. Temple
Monday before Easter. Christ waiting for the Cross
Tuesday before Easter. CItrist refusing the Wine and Mjrrl
Vrednesday before Easter. Christ in the Garden .
Thursday before Easter. The Vision of the Latter Days
Good Friday
Easter Eve
Easter Day
Monday in Easter Week. St. Peter and Cornelius Tuesday in Easter Week. The Snow-drop First Sunday after Easter. The restless Pastor reproved Second Sunday after Easter. Balaam .... Third Sunday after Easter. Languor arid Travail Fourth Sunday after Easter. The Dove on the Cross Fifth Sunday after Easter. The Priesfs Intercessor
Ascension Day
Sunday after Ascension Day. Seed time
Whitsunday
Monday in Whitsun-wcck. The City of Confusion Tuesday in Whitsun-wcek. Holy Orders
Trinity Sunday
First Sunday after Trinity. Israel among the ruins of Canaa Second Sunday after Trinity. Charily the Life of Faith Third Sunday after Trinity. Comfort fur Sinners in the pre- sence of the Good
Fourth Sunday after Trinity. The Groans of Kature . Fifth Sunday after Triuity. The Fishermen of Bethsaida Si.\th Sunday after Trinity. The Psalmist repenting
PAIJB
Eighth Sunday after Trinity. The Disohedknt Prophet . 158 Xinth Sunday after Trinity. Elijah in Horeb . . .ICO
Tenth Sunday after Trinity. Christ weeping over Jerusalem 163
Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. Gtlvazi reprcmed . . 165
Twelfth Sunday after Trinity. The Deaf and Dumb . . 167
Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. Moses on the Mount . 170 Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Ten, Lepers . .173
Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Flmuers of Vie Fidd . 175
Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. Hope is better than Ease . 177 Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. Ezelciel's Vision in the
Temple 179
Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity. The ChurcU in the Wilder- ness 1S2
Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity. Shadrach. Mcshach, and
Ahednego 1S6
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity. Mountain Sceneru . . 188 Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity. Tlie Ked-breast in Sep- tember 190
Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity. The Rule of Christian
forgiveness 193
Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity. Foi-est Leaves in Aidumn 195 Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity. ImjKrfection of Human
Sympathy 197
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity. The two Eainbows . 200
Sunday next before Advent. Selfexamimdion bifore Advent 202
St. Andrew's Day 205
St. Thomas the Apostle 097
Conversion of St. Paul 210
Purification of St. Mary the Tirgin 214
St. Matthias' Day . . ." 217
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin M;iry .... 219
St. Mark's Day ooj
St. Philip and St. James's Day .... . 22:;
St. Barnabas the Apostle 225
St. John Baptist's Day 228
St. Peter's Day 231
St. James the Apostle . 234
St. Bartholomew the Apostle
viii
St. Matthew the Apostle .
St. Michael and all Angels
St. Luke the Evangelist .
St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles
All Saints' Day
Holy Communion
Holy Baptism ....
Catechism
Confirmation ....
^lutrimony ....
Visitation and Communion of the S
Burial of the Dead .
Churching of "Women
Comminatiou
Forms of Prayer to be used at Sea
Gunpowder Treason .
King Charles the Martyr
The Restoration of the Royal Family
The Accession ....
Ordination ....
IndGi
PAG«
239 242 245 249 251 253 250 258 260 262 264 266 269 270 "72 27 -t 270 278 280 282 235
THE
CHRISTIAN YEAR
Hlorni
c:^
nntg.
His compassions fail not. They are new cveiy morning.
Lament, ill. 22, 23.
Hues of the rich unfolding morn, That, ere the glorious sun be born, By some soft touch invisible Around his path are taught to swell ; —
Thou rustling breeze so fresh and gay, That dancest forth at opening day. And brushing by with joyous wing,
Ye fragrant clouds of dewy steam. By which deep grove and tangled stream Pay, for soft rains in season given, Their tribute to the genial heaven ; —
Why waste your treasures of delight Upon our thankless joyless sight ;
10 TUE CIIRIST.lVN yeak.
Who day by day to sin awake, Seldom of Heaven and you partake?
Oh ! timely happy, timely Avise, Hearts that with rising morn arise! Eyes tliat the beam celestial view, "Wliich evermore makes all tilings new !*
New ever}'- morning is the love Our wakening and uprising prove ; Through sleep and darkness safely brought. Restored to life, and power, and thought.
New mercies, each returning day,
Hover around us while we pray ;
New perils past, new sins forgiven,
New thoughts of God, new hopes of Heaven.
If on our daily course our mind Be set to hallow all we find, New treasures still, of countless price, God will pi'ovide for sacrifice.
Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be, As more of Heaven in each we sec : Some softening gleam of love and prayer Shall dawn on every cross and care.
As for some dear familiar strain Tntiril we ask, and ask again,
* Revolatioas xxi. 5.
MOBXINQ. 11
Ever, in its melodious store, Finding a spell unheard before ;
Such is the bliss of souls serene,
When they have sworn, and steadfast mean
Counting the cost, in all t' espy
Their God, in all themselves deny.
0 could "we learn that sacrifice, What lights would all around us rise ! How would our hearts with wisdom talk Along Life's dullest dreariest walk !
We need not bid, for cloister'd cell, Our neighbour and our work farewell, Nor strive to wind ourselves too high For sinful man beneath the sky :
The trivial round, the common task, Would furnish all we ought to ask ; Eoom to deny ourselves ; a road To bring us, daily, nearer God.
Seek we no more ; content with these, Let present Rapture, Comfort, Ease, As Heaven shall bid them, come and go :— The secret this of Rest below.
Only, 0 Lord, in Thy dear love Fit us for perfect Ptest above ; And help us, this and every day, To live mere nearly as we pray.
IIIE CIIRIi-riAN YEAR.
^bcuhtcj.
Abide with us: fyr it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.
St. Luhc xxiv. 29.
'Tis gone, that bright and orbed blaze, Fast fading from our wistful gaze ; Yon mantling cloud has hid from sight The last faint pulse of quivering light.
In darkness and in weariness The traveller on his way must press, No gleam to watch on tree or tower, Whiling away the lonesome hour.
Sun of my soul ! Thou Saviour dear, It is not night if Thou be near : Oh ! may no earth-born cloud arise To hide Thee from Thy servant's eyes.
When round Thy wondrous works below My searching rapturous glance I throw, Tracing out Wisdom, Power, and Love, In earth or sky, in stream or grove ; —
Or by the light Thy words disclose Watch Time's full river as it flows, Scanning Thy gracious Providence, Where not too deep for mortal sense : —
When with dear friends sweet talk I hold, And all the flowers of life unfold ;
18
Let not my heart within me burn, Except in all I Thee discern.
When the soft clews of kindly sleep My wearied eyelids gently steep, Be my last thought, how sweet to rest For ever on my Saviour's breast.
Abide with me from morn till eve, For without Thee I cannot live : Abide with me when night is nigh, For without Thee I dare not die.
Thou Framer of the light and dark. Steer through the tempest Thine ov,-n ark : Amid the howling wintry sea We are in port if we have Thee.*
The Rulers of this Christian land, 'Twixt Thee and us ordained to stand, — Guide Thou their course, 0 Lord, aright, Let all do all as in Thy sight.
Oh ! by Thine own sad burthen, borne So meekly up the hill of scorn, Teach Thou Thy Priests their daily cross To bear as Thine, nor count it loss I
If some poor wandering child of Thine Have spurn'd, to-day, the voice divine,
* rtien they willingly received Ilim into the ship: and immedia'.clj the ship was at the land whither they went. St. John vi. 21.
2
14: THE CHRISTIAN TEAR.
Now, Lord, the gracious -work begin; Let him no more lie down in sin.
"Watcli by the sick: enrich the poor Yv'ith blessings from Thy boundless stoi-e: Be every mourner's sleep to-night Like infant's slumbers, pure and liglit.
Come near and bless us when we wake, Ere through the world our way we take ; Till in the ocean of Thy love We lose ourselves in Heaven above.
Now it is high time to awake out of sleep : for now is our salvation nearer than ■when we believed, liomans xiii. 11.
Awake — again the Gospel-trump is blown — From year to year it swells with louder tone, From year to year the signs of wrath Are gathering round the Judge's path, Si range words fulfill'd, and mighty works achicv'd, Aral truth in all the world both hated and believM.
Awake I why linger in the gorgeous town, Sworn liegemen of the Cross and thorny crown ? Up from your beds of sloth for shame. Speed to the eastern mount like flame. Nor wonder, should ye find your King in tears, Kvcn with the loud Hosanna ringing in Ilis cars.
ADVENT SUNDAY. lb
Alas I no need to rouse tliem : long ago They are gone forth to STvell Messiah's show : With glittering robes and garlands sweet They strew the ground beneath His feet : All but your hearts are there — 0 doom'd to prove The arrows wing'd in Heaven for Faith that will not love:
INIeanwhile He paces through th' adoring crowd, Calm as the march of some majestic cloud, That o'er wild scenes of ocean-war Holds its still course in Heaven afar : Even so, heart-searching Lord, as years roll on. Thou keepest silent watch from Thy triumphal throne :
Even so, the world is thronging round to gaze On the dread vision of the latter days,
Constrain'd to own Thee, but in heart
Prepar'd to take Barabbas' part : "Hosanna" now, to morrow "Crucify," The changeful burden still of their rude lawless cry
Yet in that throng of selfish hearts untrue Thy sad eye rests upon Thy faithful few.
Children and childlike souls are there,
Blind Bartimeus' humble prayer, And Lazarus waken'd from his four days' sleep, Enduring life again, that Passover to keep.
And fast beside tho olive-border'd way
Stands the bless'd /lome, where Jesus deign'd to stay,
The peaceful home, to Zeal sincere
And ])cavenly Contemplation dear,
•16 THE CnRISTIAN YEAR.
Where ]\Iariha lov'd to ■^ait 'with reverence meet, And -wiser Marj^ lingered at Thy sacred feet.
Still through decaying ages as they glide, Thou lov'st Thy chosen remnant to divide ; Sprinkled along the -waste of years Full many a soft green isle appears : Pause "where -we may upon the desert road, Some shelter is in sight, some sacred safe abode.
When -withering blasts of error s-wept the sky,* And Love's last flo-wer seem'd fain to droop and die,
Ho-w s-weet, ho-w lone the ray benign
On shelter'd nooks of Palestine ! Then to his early home did Love repair, f And cheer'd his sickening heart -with his o-wn native air.
Years roll a-way: again the tide of crime
Has swept Tliy footsteps from the favoured clime.
"Where shall the holy Cross find rest ?
On a cro-\vncd monarch's J mailed breast : Like some bright angel o'er the darkling scene, Through court and camp he holds his heavenward course serene.
A fouler vision yet; an age of light. Light without love, glares on the aching sight ; 0 who can tell how calm and sweet. Meek Walton! shows thy green retreat,
* Arianism in the fourth century.
t See St. Jerome's Works, i. 123, cJit. Erasm.
t St. Louis in th) thirteenth centary.
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 1'
When wearied with the tale thy times disclose, The eye first finds thee out in thy secure repose ?
Thus bad and good their several warnings give Of His approach, whom none may see and live : Faith's ear, with awful still delight, Counts them like minute bells at night, Keeping the heart awake till dawn of morn, While to her funeral pile this aged world is borne.
But what are Heaven's alarms to hearts that cower In wilful slumber, deepening every hour. That draw their curtains closer round. The nearer swells the trumpet's sound ? Lord, ere our trembling lamps sink down and die, Touch us with chastening hand, and make us feel Thee nigh.
^tmxii ^imbajT tir gibknt.
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lifs sp your heads ; for your redemption draweth nigh. St. Luke xxxi. 28.
Not till the freezing blast is still,
Till freely leaps the sparkling rill.
And gales sweep soft from summer skies,
As o'er a sleeping infant's eyes
A mother's kiss ; ere calls like these,
No sunny gleam awakes the trees.
Nor dare ih.Q tender flowerets show
Theii bosoms to th' uncertain glow.
2*
18 TUE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Why then, in sad and wintry time, Her heavens all dark with doubt and crime, Why lifts the Church her drooping head, As though her evil hour "were fled ? Is she less wise than leaves of spring, Or birds that cower with folded wing? What sees she in this lowering sky To tempt her meditative eye ?
She has a charm, a word of fire, A pledge of love that cannot tire ; By tempests, earthquakes, and by wars, By rushing waves and falling stars. By every sign her Lord foretold, She sees the world is waxing old,* And through that last and direst storm Descries by faith her Saviour's form.
Not surer does each tender gem, Set in the fig-tree's polished stem. Foreshow the summer season bland. Than these dread signs Thy mighty hand : But oh ! frail hearts, and spirits dark ! The season's flight unwarned we mark, But miss the Judge behind the door,"}" For all the light of sacred lore :
Yet is He there : beneath our eaves. Each sound Ilis wakeful car receives :
* The world hath lost his youth, and the times ' Esdras xiv. 10. t Sec St. James v. 9.
SECOND SUNDAY IX ADVENT. 19
Hush, idle words, and thoughts of ill, Your Lord is listening: peace, be still.* Christ watches by a Christian's hearth. Be silent, "vain deluding mirth," Till in thine alter'd voice be known Somewhat of Resignation's tone.
But chiefly yc should lift your gaze Above the world's uncertain haze. And look with calm unwavering eye On the bright fields beyond the sky, Ye, who your Lord's commission bear. His way of mercy to prepare : Angels He calls ye : be your sti-ife To lead on earth an Angel's life.
Think not of rest ; though dreams be sweet,
Start up, and ply your heaven-ward feet.
Is not God's oath upon your head,
Ne'er to sink back on slothful bed,
Never again your loins untie,
Nor let your torches waste and die,
Till, when the shadows thickest fall,
Ye hear your Master's midnight call ?
• Ita fabulantur, ut qui soiant Dominum audire.
Tertidl. Apolog. p. 3u. eilit. Higali
'J.U THE ciirasTiAN year.
(JTIjirb ^uubujT in gibkut.
^Vllai went re out into the wilderness to see? A rood shj>ken with tlie wind ? . . . But what went ye out for to see ? A prophet ? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. St. Mullhcic xi. 7 9
WiiA'T -VN-ent ye out to see
O'er the rude sandy lea, Whei-c stately Jordan flows by many a palm,
Or where Gennesaret's wave
Delights the flowers to lave, That o'er her western slope breathe airs of balm ?
All through the summer night,
Those blossoms red and bright'^- Spread their soft breasts, unheeding, to the breeze.
Like hermits watching still
Around the sacred hill, "Where erst our Saviour watch'd upon His knees.
The Paschal moon above
Seems like a saint to rove, Left shining in the world with Christ alone ;
Below, the lake's still face
Sleeps sweetly in the embrace Of mountains terrass'd high with mossy stone.
Here may we sit, and dream Over the heavenly theme, Till to our soul the former days return ;
* Rhododendrons: with wliich the western bank of the l^ke « Siid :o be clothed down to the water's edge
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 21
Till on the grassy bed, Where thousands once He fed, The world's incarnate Maker we discern.
0 cross no more the main,
Wandering so wild and vain. To count the reeds that tremble in the wind,
On listless dalliance bound.
Like children gazing round, Who on God's works no seal of Godhead find:
Bask not in courtly bower,
Or sun-bright hall of power. Pass Babel quick, and seek the holy land —
From robes of Tyrian dye
Turn with undazzled eye To Bethlehem's glade, or Carmel's haunted strand
Or choose thee out a cell
In Kedron's storied dell. Beside the springs of Love, that never die ;
Among the olives kneel
The chill night-blast to feel, And watch the Moon that saw thy Master's agony
Then rise at dawn of day,
And wind thy thoughtful way. Where rested once the Temple's stately shade.
With due feet tracing round
The city's northern bound. To th' other holy garden, where the Lord was laid
22 TUE cnmsriAN tear.
Who thus alternate see
His death and victory, Rising and falling as on angel wings,
They, -while they seem to roam,
Draw daily nearer home. Their heart untravelVd still adores the King of kings.
Or, if at home they stay,
Yet are they, day by day. In siDirit journeying through the glorious land,
Not for light Fancy's reed,
Nor Honour's purple meed. Nor gifted Prophet's lore, nor Science' wondrous wand.
But more than Prophet, more
Than Angels can adore With face unveil'd, is he they go to seek :
Blessed be God, Whose grace
Shows Him in every place To homeliest hearts of pilgrims pure and meek.
The ever of them that see shall not be dim, and the cars of them that h?or shall hearken. J-iaiah xxxii. 3.
Of the bright things in earth and arr How little can the heart embrace 1
Soft shades and gleaming lights are there — I know it well, but cannot trace.
FOURTH SUXDAT IN ADVENT. 2'6
Mine eje unworthy seems to read
One page of Nature's beauteous book ;
It lies before me, fair outsijread — I 0UI3- cast a wishful look.
I cannot paint to Memory's eye
The scene, the glance, I dearest love—
Unchang'd themselves, in rae they die, Or faint, or false, their shadows prove.
In vain, with dull and tuneless ear,
I linger by soft Music's cell, And in my heart of hearts would hear
What to her own she deigns to tell.
'Tis misty all, both sight and sound— I only know 'tis fair and sweet —
'Tis wandering on enchanted ground With dizzy brow and tottering feet.
But patience! there may come a time When these dull ears shall scan aright
Strains, that outring Earth's drowsy chime, As Heaven outshines the taper's light.
These eyes, that dazzled now and weak, At glancing motes in sunshine wink,
Shall see the King's- full glory break, Nor from the blissful vision shrink:
* Thine eyes shall see the King in His beiuty: Ihey iball beLeld ±t tsnd that is very far off. Isaiah xxxiii. 17.
21 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
In fearless love and hope uncloy'd For ever on that ocean bright
EiLpowcr'd to gaze ; and iindestroy'd. Deeper and deeper plunge in light.
Though scarcely now their laggard glance Reach to an arrow's flight, that day
They shall behold, and not in trance, The region "very far away."
If Memory sometimes at our spell Refuse to speak, or speak amiss,
We shall not need her where we dwell Ever in sight of all our bliss.
Meanwhile, if over sea or sky
Some tender lights unnotic'd fleet,
Or on lov'd features dawn and die. Unread, to us, their lesson sweet ;
Yet are there saddening sights around. Which Heaven, in mercy, spares us too,
And we see far in holy ground. If duly purg'd our mental view.
The distant Landscape draws not nigh For all our gazing ; but the soul,
That upward looks, may still descry Nearer, each day, the brightening goal.
.lud tliou, too curious car, that fain Wouldst thi'cad the maze of Ilavmony
CHRISTMAS DAY.
Content thee with one simple strain, The lowlier, sure, the worthier thee ;
Till thou art duly train' d, and taught The concord sweet of Love divine :
Then, with that inward music fraught, For ever rise, and sing, and shine.
Aud suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly Lost praising God. St. Lule ii. 13.
What sudden blaze of song
Spreads o'er th' expanse of Ilcav'n ? Tn waves of light it thrills along, Th' angelic signal given — " Glory to God!" from yonder central fire Flows out the echoing lay beyond the starry quire ;
Like circles widening round Upon a clear blue river, Orb after orb, the wondrous sound Is echoed on for ever : *' Glory to God on high, on earth be peace, •'And love towards men of love* — salvation and ''release."
* I have ventured to adopt the reading of the Vulgate, as being gene- rally known through Pergolesi's beautiful composition, " Gloria iu ei oelsis Deo, ct in terra pax Uominibus bonce volunCatit "
3
2^ THE CHRISTIAN YEAE.
Yet stay, before tliou dare To join that festal throng ; Listen and mark what gentle air First stirr'd the tide of song ; 'Tis not, "the Saviour born in David's home, *'To "Whom for power and health obedient worlds "should come:" —
'Tis not, "the Christ the Lord:" — With fix'd adoring look The choir of Angels caught the word, Nor yet their silence broke : But when they heard the sign, where Christ should be, In sudden light they shone and heavenly harmony.
Wrapp'd in His swaddling bands. And in His manger laid, The Hope and Glory of all lands Is come to the world's aid : No peaceful home upon his cradle smil'd, Guests rudely went and came, where slept the royal Child.
But where Thou dwellest. Lord, No other thought should be. Once duly welcom'd and ador'd. How should I part with Thee ? Bethlehem must lose Thee soon, but thou wilt grac4 The single heart to be Thy sure abiding-place.
CHKIST3IAS DAT. 27
Thee, on the bosom laid Of a pure virgin mind, In quiet, ever, and in shade,
Shepherd and sage may find ; They, who have bow'd untaught to Nature's sway. And they, who follow Truth along her star-pavM way.
The past )ral spirits first
Approach Thee, Babe divine, For they in lowly thoughts are nurs'd, Meet for Thy lowly shrine : Sooner than they should miss where Thou dost dwell. Angels from Heaven will stoop to guide them to Thy cell.
Still, as the day comes round For Thee to be reveal'd, By wakeful shepherds Thou art found, Abiding in the field. All through the wintry heaven and chill night air. In music and in light Thou dawnest on their prayer.
0 faint not ye for fear — What though your wandering sheep, Reckless of what they see and hear, Lie lost in wilful sleep ? High Heaven in mercy to your sad annoy Still greets you with glad tidings of immortal joy.
L:» the christian year.
Think on th' eternal home, The Saviour left for you , Think on the Lord most holy, come To dwell with hearts untrue : So shall ye tread untir'd His pastoral ways, And in the darkness sing your carol of high praise
^t. ^Irpljcit's 5^^2-
He, lieing full of the Holy Ghost, looked wp steadfastly into hciveu, and saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God Acts vii. 55.
As rays around the source of light Stream upward ere he glow in sight, And watching by his future flight
Set the clear heavens on fire ; So on the King of Martyrs wait Three chosen bands, in royal state,* And all earth owns, of good and great.
Is gathered in that choir.
One presses on, and welcomes death : One calmly yields his willing breath. Nor slow, nor hurrying, but in faith Content to die or live :
* Wheatly on the Common Prayer, c. v. sect. iv. 2. "As there are three kinds of martyrdom, the first both in will and deed, which is the highest; the second in will but not in deed ; the third in deed but not in will ; so the Church commemorates these martyrs in the same order : St. Stcpli en first, who suffered deatli both in will and deed; St. John the Evangelist next, wl.o suffered martyrdom in will but not in deed; the holy Innocits last, who suffered in deed but not in yill."
.ST. Stephen's dai. 29
And some, the darlings of their Lord, Play smiling with the flame and sword, And, ere they speak, to His sure word Unconscious witness give.
Foremost and nearest to His throne, By perfect robes of triumph known, And likest Him in look and tone.
The holy Stephen kneels, With steadfast gaze, as when the sky Flew open to his fainting eye, "Which, like a fading lamp, flash'd high, Seeing what death conceals.
^yell might you guess what vision bright Was present to his raptur'd sight. Even as reflected streams of light
Their solar source betray — The glory which our God surrounds, The Son of Man, th' atoning wounds — He sees them all ; and earth's dull bounds Are melting fast away.
He sees them all — no other view Could stamp the Saviour's likeness true. Or with his love so deep embrue
Man's sullen heart and gross — "Jesu, do Thou my soul receive: " Jesu, do Thou my foes forgive:" He who would learn that prayer, must live
Under the Holy Cross. 3*
iO THE CURISTIAN TEAK.
lie, though he seem on earth to move. Must glide in air like gentle dove, From yon unclouded depths above Must draw his purer breath ; Till men behold his angel face All radiant -with celestial grace,* Martyr all o'er, and meet to trace The lines of Jesus' death.
^1. IqI^u s gag.
Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man dal Jesus saith unto him. If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that M thee ? follow thou Jle. St. John xxi. 21, 22.
" Lord, and what shall this man do ?" Ask'st thou, Chi'istian, for thy friend ?
If his love for Christ be true,
Christ hath told thee of his end :
This is he whom God approves,
This is he whom Jesus loves.
Ask not of him more than this.
Leave it in his Savioui''s breast,
Whether, early call'd to bliss.
He in youth shall find his rest,
Or armed in his station wait
Till his Lord be at the gate :
- And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly oa him, saw hi.- ta.« IS it had >een the face of an angel. Acla vi. 15.
ST. John's day. 31
Wliethcr in his lonely course
(Lonely, not forlorn) he stay,
Or with Love's supporting force
Cheat the toil and cheer the way :
Leave it all in His high hand,
Who doth hearts as streams command.*
Gales from Heaven, if so He will.
Sweeter melodies can wake On the lonely mountain rill
Than the meeting waters make. Who hath the Father and the Son, May be left, but not alone.
Sick or healthful, slave or free,
Wealthy, or despis'd and poor —
What is that to him or thee.
So his love to Christ endure ?
When the shore is won at last.
Who will count the billows past ?
Only, since our souls will shrink At the touch of natural grief.
When our earthly lov'd ones sink. Lend us. Lord, Thy sure relief;
Patient hearts, their pain to see,
And Thy grace to follow Thee.
• The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the river j of irate. I'e turneth it whidiersoever lie will. Procerhn xxi. 1.
?.2 THE CIIRISTIAX YEAR.
^Ijc |)olg llimoccuts.
These were redeemed from among men, being tl 2 first fruits nnui OoJ aaJ to the Laaib. A'ef. xiv. i.
Say, yc celestial guards, who wait In Betlilebem, round the Saviour's palace gate,
Say, who are these on golden wings, That hover o'er the new-born King of kings.
Their palms and garlands telling plain That they are of the glorious martyr-train.
Next to yourselves ordain'd to praise His Name, and brighten as on Him they gaze '!
But where their spoils and trophies ? where The glorious dint a martyr's shield should bear ?
How chance no cheek among them wears The deep-worn trace of penitential tears,
But all is bi'ight and smiling love, As if, fresh-borne from Eden's happy grove,
They had flown here, their King to see, N )r ever had been heirs of dark mortality ?
Ask, and some angel will reply, " These, like yourselves, were born to sin and die,
"But ere the poison root was grown, "God set His seal, and mark'd them for His own.
"Baptiz'd in blood for Jesus' sake, *' Now underneath the Cross their bed they make,
"Not to be scar'd from that sure rest " By frighten'd mother's shriek, or wai-rior's waving crest."
THE HOLT INNOCENTS. 33
Mindful of these, the first-fruits sweet Borne by the suflFering Church her Lord to greet ;
Bless'd Jesus ever lov'd to trace The " innocent brightness" of an infant's face.
He rais'd them in His holy arms, He bless'd them from the woi-ld and all its harms :
Heirs though they were of sin and shame, Ele bless'd them in His own and in His Fathers Name.
Then, as each fond unconscious child On th' everlasting Parent sweetly smil'd,
(Like infants sporting on the shore, That tremble not at Ocean's boundless roar,)
Were they not present to Thy thought, A.11 souls, that in their cradles Thou hast bought ?
But chiefly these, who died for Thee, That thou might'st live for them a sadder death to see.
And next to these. Thy gracious word Was as a pledge of benediction, stor'd
For Christian mothers, while they moan I'heir treasur'd hopes, just born, baptiz'd, and gone.
Oh, joy for Rachel's broken heart ! She and her babes shall meet no more to part ;
So dear to Christ her pious haste T: trust them in His arms for ever safe embrac'd.
She dares not grudge to leave them there. Where to behold them was her heart's first prayer,
She dares not grieve — but she must weep, As her pale placid martyr sinks to sleep.
84 TIIJ; CHGISTIAX TEAB.
Teaching so ■well and silently How, at the shepherd's call, the lamb should die :
How happier far than life the end Of souls that infant-like beneath their burthen bond.
(first ^uubaiT after Cbrislmas.
Eo t!ic sun returned ten degrees, by -which degrees it was gone down. Isaiaii xxxviii. 8; comp-jire JosJi. x. 13.
"Tis true, of old th' unchanging sun His daily course refus'd to run,
The pale moon hurrying to the west Paus'd at a mortal's call, to aid Th' avenging storm of war, that laid Seren guilty realms at once on earth's defiled breast.
But can it be, one suppliant tear Should stay the ever-moving sphere ? A sick man's lowly breathed sigh, AVhen from the world he turns away,* And hides his weary ej'es to pray, Should change your mystic dance, ye wanderers of the sky ?
We too, 0 Lord, would fain command. As then. Thy wonder-working hand. And backward force the waves of Time,
*Then Hezekiah turned his face toward tho wall, and rrayod unco i'u<i Lord. liaiah xxxviii. 2.
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, Zii
Tbit now so swift and silent l3ear Our restless bark from year to year ; Help us to pause and mourn to Thee our tale of ciime.
Bright hopes, that erst the bosom warm'd, And vows, too pure to be perform'd,
And prayers blown wide by gales of care ; — 1 hese, and such faint half-waking dreams, Like stormy lights on mountain streams, Wavering and broken all, athwart the conscience glare.
How shall we 'scape th' o'erwhelming Past ? Can spirits broken, joys o'ercast,
And eyes that never more may smile :— Can these th' avenging bolt delay, Or win us back one little day The bitterness of death to soften and beguile ?
Father and Lover of our souls ! Though darkly round Thine anger rolls,
Thy sunshine smiles beneath the gloom, Thou seek'st to warn us, not confound, Thy showers would pierce the harden'd grouuJ, A.nd win it to give out its brightness and perfume.
Thou smil'st on us in wrath, and we, Even in i^emor^e, would smile on Tliee ;
The tears that bathe our offer'd hearts. We would not have them stain'd and dim, But dropp'd from wings of seraphim. All glowing with the litrht accepted Love imparts.
36 THE CHRISTIAN "VEAE.
Time's waters -will not ebb, nor stay, Power cannot change them, but Love may,
What cannot be, Love counts it clone. Deep in the heart, her searching view Can read where Faith is fix'd and true, Through shades of setting life can see Heaven's work begun.
0 Thou, who keep'st the Key of Love, Open Thy fount, eternal Dove,
And overflow this heart of mine, Enlarging as it fills with Thee, Till in one blaze of charity Care and remorse are lost, like motes in light divine ;
Till, as each moment wafts us higher, By every gush of pure desire,
And high-breath'd hope of joys above, By every sacred sigh we heave, Whole years of folly we outlive, Fn Ilis unerring sight, who measures Life by Love
SiljE €mmnd$ion of Cljnst.
Iq wli m also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made wititoT hands. Coloss. ii. II.
The year begins with Thee, And Thou beginn'st with woe, To let the world of sinners see That blood for sin must flow.
THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST. 3?
Thine infant cries, 0 Lord, Thy tears upon the breast, Are not enough — the legal sword Must do its stern behest.
Like sacrificial wine Pour'd on a victim's head. Are those few precious drops of Thine, Now first to offering led.
They are the pledge and seal Of Christ's unswerving faith Given to His Sire, our souls to heal, Although it cost His death.
They to His Church of old, To each true Jewish heart, In Gospel graces manifold Communion blest impart.
Now of Thy love we deem As of an ocean vast, Mounting in tides against the stream Of ages gone and past.
Both theirs and ours Thou art, As we and they are thine ; Kings, Prophets, Patriarchs — all have part Along the sacred line.
By blood and water too Goi's mark is set on Thee, 4
3S THE cnmsTiAX tear
That in Tlice every faithful view Both covenants might see.
0 bond of union, dear And strong as is Thy grace ! Saints, parted by a thousand year, ]May thus in heart embrace.
Is there a mourner true, AVho fallen on faithless days, Sighs for the heart-consoling view Of those, Heaven deign'd to praise ?
In spirit mayst thou meet With faithful Abraham here, Whom soon in Eden thou shalt greet A nursing Father dear.
Wouldst thou a poet be ? And would thy dull heart fain Borrow of Israel's minstrelsy One high enraptur'd strain ?
Come here thy soul to tune, Here set thy feeble chant. Here, if at all beneath the moon, Is holy David's haunt.
Art thou a child of tears*. Cradled in care and woe ? And seems it hard, thy vernal yeara Few vernal joys can show?
SB.COXD SUNDAY AFTEll CHRISTMAS. 30
And fall the sounds of mirth Sad on thy lonely heart, From all the hopes and charms of earth Untimely call'd to part ?
Look here, and hold thy peace : The Giver of all good Even from the womb takes no release From suffering, tears, and blood.
If thou wouldst reap in love, First sow in holy fear : So life a Avinter's morn may prove To a bright endless year.
^tmxii ^uttbag after C^risfmns.
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Isrsftl will not forsake them. Isaiah xli. 17.
And wilt Thou hear the fever' d heart
To Thee in silence cry ? And as th' inconstant wildfires iart
Out of the restless eye. Wilt Thou forgive the wayward thought, By kindly woes yet half untaught A Saviour's right, so dearly bought,
That Hop 3 should never die ?
40 THE cnmsTiAN year.
Thou -^ilt : for many a languid prayer
lias reach'd Thee from the wild, Since the lorn mother, wandering there,
Cast down her fainting child,* Then stole apart to weep and die, Nor knew an Angel form was nigh, To show soft waters gushing by And dewy shadows mild.
Thou wilt — for Thou art Israel's God,
And thine unwearied arm Is ready yet with Moses' rod,
The hidden rill to charm Out of the dry unfathom'd deep Of sands, that lie in lifeless sleep, Save when the scorching whirlwinds lieap
Their waves in rude alalrm.
These moments of wild wrath are Thine—
Thine too the drearier hour When o'er th' horizon's silent line Fond hopeless fancies cower, And on the traveller's listless way Rises and sets th' unchanging day, No cloud in heaven to slake its ray, On earth no sheltering bower.
Thou wilt be there, and not forsake,
To turn the bitter pool Into a bright and breezy lake.
The throbbing brow to cool :
* Uagar. See Genesis xxi. li.
SECOND SUNDAY AFJER CHRISTMAS. 41
Till left a-svliile with Tliee alone The wilful heart be fain to own That He, by whom our bright hours shone. Our darkness best may rule.
The scent of water far away
Upon the breeze is flung : The desert pelican to-day
Securely leaves her young, Reproving thankless man, who fears To journey on a few lone years, Where on the sand Thy step appears,
Thy crown in sight is hung.
Thou, who didst sit on Jacob's well
The weary hour of noon,* The languid pulses Thou canst tell,
The nerveless spirit tune. Thou from Whose cross in anguish burst The cry that own'd thy dying thirst, f To Thee we turn, our Last and First,
Our Sun and soothing Moon.
From darkness, here, and dreariness
We ask not full repose, Only be Thou at hand, to bless
Our trial hour of woes. Is not the pilgrim's toil o'erpaid By the clear rill and palmy shade ? And see we not, up Earth's dark glado,
The gate of Heaven unclose ?
*St.Johniv. 6. tSt. Johnxix.28.
4*
THE CnUISTIAN YEAR.
And, lo, the star, wliich they saw in the cast, vent before *hein, tiC it came and stood over where the j-oung Child -was. "When they saw tii» Btar, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. St. Matthew ii. 9, 10.
Star of the East, Iioav sweet art Thou, Seen in life's early morning sky.
Ere yet a cloud has dimm'd the bro"^, While yet Ave gaze with childish eye ;
When father, mother, ntirsing friend, Most dearly lov'd, and loving best,
First bid us from their arms ascend, Pointing to Thee in Thy sure rest.
Too soon the glare of earthly day Buries, to us, Thy brightness keen,
And we are left to find our way By faith and hope in Thee unseen.
"What matter ? if the waymarks sure
On every side are round us set, Soon overleap'd, but not obscure ?
'Tis ours to mark them or forget.
What matter ?. if in calm old age Our childhood's star again arise,
Crowning our lonely pilgrimage
"Witli all that cheers a Avanderer's ey?s ?
Ne'er may we lose it from our sight, Till all our hopes and thoughts arc led
THE EPIPHANY. 43
To -^vhere it stays its lucid flight Over our Saviour's lowly bed
Tliere, swath'd in humblest poverty, On Chastity's meek lap enshrin'd,
With breathless Reverence waiting by, "When we our Sovereign Master find,
Will not the long-forgotten glow
Of mingled joy and awe return, When stars above or flowers below
First made our infant spirits burn ?
Look on us, Lord, and take our parts
Even on Thy throne of purity ! From these our proud yet grovelling hearts
Hide not Thy mild forgiving eye.
Did not the Gentile Church find grace, Our mother dear, this favour'd day ?
With gold and myrrh she sought Thy face, Nor didst Thou turn Thy face away
She too,* in earlier, purer days,
Had watch'd Thee gleaming faint and for— But wandering in self-chosen ways
She lost Thee quite, Thou lovely star.
Yet had her Father's finger turn'd To Thee her first inquiring glance :
* The Patriarchal Church.
44 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
I he deeper sliame -within her burn'd, "When -R-aken'd from her -wilful trance.
Behold, her wisest throng Thy gate, Their richest, sweetest, purest store,
(Yet own'd too -worthless and too late,) They lavish on Thy cottage-floor.
They give their best — 0 tenfold shame On us their fallen progeny.
Who sacrifice the blind and lame* — "Who -will not -wake or fast -with Thee !
^u$t ^ttnbag after 6pipIjaniT.
They shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the watsi courses. Isaiah xliv. 4.
Lessons sweet of spring returning, Welcome to the thoughtful heart !
May I call ye sense or learning,
Instinct pure, or heaven-taught art ?
Be your title what it may,
Sweet the lengthening April day,
While with you the soul is free.
Banging wild o'er hill and lea.
Soft as Memnon's harp at morning,
To the inward ear devout, Touch'd by light, with heavenly warning
Your ti-ansporting chords ring out.
* Malachi i. 8.
FIEST SUXDAT AFTZR EPIPHA.NY 45
Every leaf in every nook, Every wave in every brook, Chanting with a solemn voice, Minds us of our better choice.
Needs no show of mountain hoary, Winding shore or deepening glen.
Where the landscape in its glory Teaches truth to wandering men :
Give true hearts but earth and sky.
And some flowers to bloom and die, —
Homely scenes and simple views
Lowly thoughts may best infuse.
See the soft green willow springing
Where the waters gently pass. Every way her free arms flinging
O'er the moist and reedy grass. Long ere winter blasts are fled, See her tipp'd with vernal red, And her kindly flower display'd Ere her leaf can cast a shade.
Though the rudest hand assail her.
Patiently she droops awhile, But when showers and breezes hail her,
Wears again her willing smile. Thus I learn Contentment's power From the slighted willow bower. Ready to give thanks and live Ou the least that Heaven may give.
4G THK CIIRISTIAX YEAH.
If, (he quiet brooklet leaving,
Up the stony vale I wind, Haply half in fancy grieving
For the shades I leave behind, By the dusty -waj'side drear, Nightingal&s vritli joyous cheer Sing, my sadness to reprove, Gladlier than in cultured grove.
"Where the thickest boughs are twining
Of the greenest darkest tree, There they plunge, the light declining
All may hear, but none may see. Fearless of the passing hoof, Hardly vrill they fleet aloof; So they live in modest "ways, Trust entire, and ceaseless praise.
^rccnb ^wnbajT after ^pipbirnn.
Every man at the bcginaing doth set forth good wine ; and when men have weU drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. St. John ii. 10.
The heart of childliood is all mirth :
"We frolic to and fro As free and blithe, as if on earth
Were no such thing as -woe.
But if indeed -with reckless faith "We trust the flattcrins voice.
SECOND SUXDAY AFTER EriPIIANY. 47
Which -whispers, " Take thy fill ere death, " Indulge thee and rejoice ;"
Too surely, every setting day,
Some lost delight we mourn, The flowers all die along our way,
Till we, too, die forlorn.
Such is the world's gay garish feast,
In her first charming bowl Infusing all that fires the breast.
And cheats th' unstable soul.
.Ind still, as loud the revel swells,
The fever'd pulse beats higher. Till the sear'd taste from foulest wells
Is fain to slake its fire.
Unlike the feast of heavenly love
Spread at the Saviour's word For souls that hear His call, and prove
Meet for His bridal board.
'Why should we fear, youth's draught cf joy,
If pure, would sparkle less ? "Why should the cup the sooner cloy,
"Which God hath deign'd to bless ?
For, is it Hope, that thrills so keen
Along each bounding vein. Still whispering glorious things unseen ? —
Faith makes the vision plain.
48 THE CHRISTIAN TEAR.
Tlie woi'ld would kill her soon : but Faith
Her daring dreams will chensh, Speeding her gaze o'er time and death
To realms where nought can perish.
Or is it Love, the dear delight
Of hearts that know no guile, That all around see all things bright
AVith their own magic smile ?
Tiie silent joy, that sinks so deep,
Of confidence and rest, Lull'd in a father's arms to sleep,
Clasp'd to a mother's breast?
Who, but a Christian, through all life
That blessing may prolong ? Who, through the world's sad day of strife,
Still chant his morning song ?
Fathers may hate us or forsake,
God's foundlings then are we : Mother on child no pity take,*
But we shall still have Thee.
We may look home, and seek in vain
A fond fraternal heart. But Christ hath given His promise plain
To do a Brother's part.
* Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have f mnpassion on the son of her womb ? yea, they maj' f<,rget, yet will J not forget thee. Isaiah xlix. 15.
TKIIID SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHAXY. 4'J
Nor shall dull age, as Trorldlings say,
The heavenward flame annoy : The Saviour cannot pass away,
And with him lives our joy.
Ever the richest tenderest glow
Sets round th' autumnal sun — But there sight fails : no heart may know
The bliss when life is done.
Such is thy banquet, dearest Lord;
0 give us grace, to cast Our lot with Thine, to trust Thy word.
And keep our best till last.
^birb ^unbair after ^pijikinn.
"When Jesus heard it. He marvelled, and said to them that fullowo^ Verily I say iinto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Isra- St. Matthew viii. 10.
I mark'd a rainbow in the north. What time the wild autumnal sun
From his dark veil at noon look'd forth, As glorying in his course half done,
Flinging soft radiance far and wide Over the dusky heaven and bleak hill-side.
It was a gleam to Memory dear.
And as I walk and muse apart, "When all seems faithless round and drear,
6
60 TUE ciinrsTiA^' teak.
I would revive it in my heart, And -watch how light can find its way To regions farthest from the fount of day.
Light flashes in the gloomiest sky,
And Music in the dullest plain, For there the lark is soaring high
Over her flat and leafless reign. And chanting in so blithe a tone, It shames the weary heart to feel itself alone.
Brighter than rainbow in the north. More cheery than the matin lark, Is the soft gleam of Christian worth,
"Which on some holy house we mark; Dear to the pastor's aching heart To think, where'er he looks, such gleam may have a part;
May dwell, unseen by all but Heaven, Like diamond blazing in the mine ;
For ever, where such gi'ace is given. It fears in open day to shine."*
*■ Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof. Sf. Luke vii. 6.
" From the first time that the impressions of religion settle! deeply in his mind, he used great caution to conceal it; not only in obedienc* to the rule given by our Saviour, of fasting, praying, and giving ahu. in secret, but from a particular distrust he had of himself; for he said, }i'j was afraid he should at some time or other do some enormous thing, V. Iiich, if he were looked on as a very religious man, might cast a re- proach on the profession of it, and give great advantages to impious men to blaspheme the name of God."
Lurnct's Life of Hale, in Wcrdauorth'a Ecd. Biog. vi. 73.
TIIIKD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. Ol
Lost the deep stain it owns within Break out, and Faith be sham'd by the believer's sin.
In silence and afar they wait,
To find a prayer their Lord may hear :
Voice of the poor and desolate, You best may bring it to His ear.
Your grateful intercessions rise With more than royal pomp, and pierce the skies.
Happy the soul, whose precious cause
You in the Sovereign Presence plead — "This is the lover of Thy laws,-
" The friend of Thine in fear and need" — For to the poor Thy mercy lends That solemn style, "Thy nation and Thy friends."
He too is blest, whose outward eye
The graceful lines of art may trace, While his free spirit, soaring high,
Discerns the glorious from the base ; Till out of dust his magic raisef A home for prayer and love, and full harmonious praise.
Where far away and high above,
In maze on maze the tranced sight Strays, mindful of that heavenly love
Which knows no end in depth or height, While the strong breath of Music seems To waft us ever on, soaring in blissful dreams.
* lie loveth our nation. St. Lulce vii. 5.
t He hath built us a synagogue. St. Luke vii. 5.
52 THE cnnisTiAN tear.
What though in poor and humble guise
ThDu here didst sojourn, cottage-born? Yet from Thy glory in the skies
Our earthly gold Thou dost not scorn. For Love delights to bring her best, And -^vhere Love is, that offering evermore is blest.
Love on the Saviour's dying head
Iler spikenard drops unblam'd may pour, May mount His cross, and wi-ap Him dead
In spices from the golden shore ;* Risen, mjiy embalm His sacred name With all a Painters art, and all a Minstrel's flame.
Worthless and lost our offerings seem,
Drops in the ocean of his praise ; But Mercy -with her genial beam
Is ripening them to pearly blaze, To sparkle in His crown above. Who welcomas here a child's as there an angel's love.
^iyourtlj ^uubniT after ^pijjhann.
Vriieu tlioy saw-Him, they besought Ilim that lie •noukl ^c^irt iut 'J their coasts. St. Mattliew viii. 34.
They know th' Almighty's power, Who, waken'd by the rushing midnight show?r. Watch for the fitful breeze
* St. John xii. 7 ; xiz. 30.
FOURTH SUN'EAY AFTER EriPHANf. 5o
To howl and chafe amid the bending trees,
Vratch for the still -white gleam To bathe the landscape in a fiery stream, Touching the tremulous eye -with sense of light Too rapid and too pure for all but angel siglit.
They know th' Almighty's love. Who, when the whirlwinds rock the topmost grove.
Stand in the shade, and hear The tumult with a deep exulting fear,
How, in their fiercest sway, Curb'd by some power unseen, they die away, Like a bold steed that owns his rider's arm, Proud to be check'd and sooth'd by that o'ermaster- ing charm.
But there are storms within That heave the struggling heart with wilder din,
And there is power and love The maniac's rushing frenzy to reprove,
And., when he takes his seat, Cloth'd and in calmness, at his Saviour's feet,- Is not the power as strange, the love as blest, As when He said. Be still, and ocean sank to rest ?
Woe to the wayward heart. That gladlier turns to eye the shuddering start
Of Passion in her might, Thau marks the silent growth of grace and light ; —
*St. :.Iark V. 15; iv. 39.
5*
54 iHE cnniSTiAx tear.
Pleas'd in the cheerless tomb To linger, while the morning raj'S illume Green lake, and cedar tuft, and spicy glade, Shaking their dewy tresses now the storm is laid.
The storm is laid — and now In Ilis meek power he climbs the mountain's brow,
"Who bade the waves go sleep, And lash'd the vex'd fiends to their yawning deep.
How on a rock they stand. Who watch His eye, and hold His guiding hand ! Xot half so fix'd, amid her vassal hills. Rises the holy pile that Kedron's valley fills.
And wilt thou seek again Thy howling waste, thy charnel-house and chain,
And with the demons be, Rather than clasp thine own Deliverer's knee ?
Sure 'tis no Heaven-bred awe That bids thee from His healing touch withdraw, The world and He are struggling in thine heart, And in thy reckless mood thou bid'st thy Lord depart.
He, merciful and mild, As erst, beholding, loves His wayward child;
When souls of highest birth Waste their impassion'd might on dreams of earth,
He opens Nature's book, And on His glorious Gospel bids them look. Till by such chords, as rule the choirs above, Tl'.C'ir lawless cries are tun\l to h^-mns of perfect love
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EnrUANY.
(fiftlj ^uuWg after 6pipbang.
BeV.(d, tte Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save ; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated istween you and your God. Isaiah lix. 1, 2.
"Waee, arm divine ! awake,
" Eye of the only Wise ! " Now for Thy glory's sake, " Saviour and God, arise, " And may Thine ear, that sealed seems, "In pity mark our mournful themes I"
Thus in her lonely hour
Thy Church is fain to cry, As if Thy love and power Were vanish' d from her sky ; Yet God is there, and at His side He triumphs. Who for sinners died.
Ah ! 'tis the world enthralls
The Heaven-betrothed breast : The traitor Sense recalls The soaring soul from rest, That bitter sigh was all for earth. For glories gone, and vanish'd mirth.
Age would to youth return,
Farther from Heaven would be,
To feel the wildfire burn, On idolizing knee
56 THK CHRISTIAN YEAH.
Again lo fall, and rob Tliy shrine Of hearts, tlic right of love divine.
Lord of this erring flock I
Thou -whose soft showers distil On ocean waste or rock, Free as on Hermon hill, Do Thou our craven spirits cheer, And shame away the selfish tear.
'Twas silent all and dead*
Beside the barren sea, "Where Philip's steps were led, Led by a voice from Thee — He rose and went, nor ask'd Thee why, Nor stay'd to heave one faithless sigh ;
Upon his lonely way
The high-born traveller came, Reading a mournful lay
Of "One who bore our shame,f " Silent Himself, His name untold, "And yet His glories were of old."
To muse what Heaven might mean
His wondering brow he rais'd. And met an eye serene
That on him watchful gaz'd. No Hermit e'er so welcome cross'd A child's lone path in woodland lost.
• S«o Acts viii. 26-40. t Isaiah Uii. 6-8^
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EFirnANT. 57
Now Tvonder turns to love ; The scrolls of sacred lore No darksome mazes prove ; The desert tires no more : They bathe where holy waters flow, Then on their way rejoicing go.
They part to meet in Heaven ;
But of the joy they share, Absolving and forgiven,
The sweet remembrance bear. Yes— mai'k him well, ye cold and proud, Bewilder'd in a heartless crowd.
Starting and turning pale
At Rumour's angry din — No storm can now assail Tlie charm he wears within, Rejoicing still, and doing good, And with the thought of God imbu'J.
No glare of high estate,
No gloom of woe or want, The radiance can abate
Where Heaven delights to haunt : flin only hides the genial ray. And, round the Cross, makes niglit of day.
Then weep it from thy heart ;
So mayst thou duly learn The intercessor's part,
Thy prayers and tears may earn
08 THE CnUISTlAX YEAE.
For fallen souls some healing breath, Ere they have died Ih' Apostate's death.
^idlj ^unbag after 6pijjIjaiT£.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be lika Uim ; for we shall sSe Uim as He is. 1 St. John iii. 2.
There are, who darkling and alone, Would wish the weary night were gone. Though dawning morn should only show The secret of their unknown woe : AVho pray for sharpest throbs of pain To ease them of doubt's galling chain: " Only disperse the cloud," they cry, "And if our fate be death, give light and let us die.'"*
Unwise I deem them, Lord, unmeet To profit by Thy chastenings sweet, For Thou wouldst have us linger still Upon the verge of good or ill, That on Thy guiding hand unseen Our undivided hearts may lean. And this our frail and foundering bark Glide in the narrow wake of Thy beloved ark.
'Tis so in war — the champion true Loves victory more, when dim in view
* 'Ev 6i (piei xai d\:acov^
SIXTH SUNDAY AriER EPirHANV. 59
lie sees her glories gild afar The dusky edge of stubborn war, Than if th' untrodden bloodless field
The harvest of her laurels yield ; Let not thy bark in calm abide, Dut win her fearless way against the chafiug tide.
'Tis so in love — the faithful heart From her dim vision would not part, When first to her fond gaze is given That purest spot in Fancy's heaven, For all the gorgeous sky beside, Though pledg'd her own and sure t' abide : Dearer than every past noon-day That twilight gleam to her, though faint and far away.
So have I seen some tender flower Priz'd above all the vernal bower, Shelter'd beneath the coolest shade, Embosom'd in the greenest glade. So frail a gem, it scarce may bear The playful touch of evening air ; "When hardier grown we love it less, And ti'ust it from our sight, not needing our caress.
And wherefore is the sweet spring tide "Worth all the changeful year beside ? The last-born babe, why lies its part Deep in the mother's inmost heart ? But that the Lord and Source of love Would have his weakest ever prove
GO THE cnrvisTiAN tkar.
Our tenderest care — and most of all Our frail immortal souls, His \rork and Satan"e thrall.
So be it, Lord ; I know it best. Though not as yet this wayward breast Beat quite in answer to Thy voice, Yet surely I have made my choice ; I know not yet the promis'd bliss, Know not if I shall win or miss ; So doubting, rather let me die. Than close with aught beside, to last eternally.
What is the heaven we idly dream ? The self-deceiver's dreary theme, A cloudless sun that softly shines, Bright maidens and unfailing vines, The warrior's pride, the hunter's mirth, Poor fragments all of this low earth : Such as in sleep would hardly soothe A. soul that once had tasted of immortal Truth.
What is the Heaven our God bestows ? No Prophet yet, no Angel knows ; Was never yet created eye Could see across Eternity ; •
Not seraph's wing for ever soaring Can pass the flight of souls adoring, That nearer still and nearer grow To th' unapproached Lord, once made for them so low.
SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 61
Unseen, unfelt tlieir earthly growth, And self-accus'd of sin and sloth. They live and die ; their names decay, Their fragi-ance passes quite away ; Like violets in the freezing blast No vernal steam around they cast, — But they shall flourish from the tomb. The breath of God shall wake them into od'rous bloom.
Then on th' incarnate Saviour's breast, The fount of sweetness, they shall rest, Their spirits every hour imbu'd More deeply with His precious blood. But peace — still voice and closed eye Suit best with hearts beyond the sky. Hearts training in their low abode. Daily to lose themselves in hope to find their God.
The invisible tilings of Tlim from the creation of the -world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. Homans i. 20.
Therk is a book, who runs may read. Which heavenly truth imparts.
And all the lore its scholars need, Pure eyes and Christian hearts.
The works of God above, below, Within us and around, G
|
G2 TnE CHRISTIAN yeab. |
|
Are pages in that book, to show |
|
How God Himself is found. |
|
The glorious sky embracing all |
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Is like the Maker's love, |
|
Wherewith encompass'd, great and small |
|
In peace and order move. |
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The Moon above, the Church below, |
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A wondrous race they run, |
|
But all their radiance, all their glow, |
|
Each borrows of its Sun. |
|
The Saviour lends the light and heat |
|
That crowns His holy hill ; |
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The saints, like stars, around His seat, |
|
Perform their courses still.* |
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The saints above are stars in Heaven — |
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"What are the saints on earth ? |
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Like trees they stand whom God has given, f |
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Our Eden's happy birth. |
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Faith is their fix'd unswerving root, |
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Hope their unfading flower, |
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Fair deeds of charity their fruit, |
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The glory of their bower. |
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The dew of Heaven is like Thy grace, + |
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It steals in silence down ; |
|
* Daaiel xii. 3. t Isaiah Ix. 21. t I'salm Ixviii i. |
SEfTUAGESIMA fJUNDAt. 63
But Tvhere it lights, the favour'd place By richest fi'uits is known.
One Name above all glorious names
With its ten thousand tongues The everlasting sea proclaims,
Echoing angelic songs.
The raging Fire,* the roaring Wind,
Thy boundless povt^er display : But in the gentler breeze yve find
Thy Spirit's viewless way.f
Two worlds are ours : 'tis only Sin
Forbids us to descry The mystic heaven and earth within.
Plain as the sea and sky.
Thou, who hast given me eyes to see
And love this sight so fair. Give me a heart to find out Thee,
And read Thee everywhere.
* Hebrews xii. 29, t St. ! >hii iij. 3^
64 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
^cvagcsima ^unbag.
So He drove out the man ; and lie placed at the east of the gardeu * f Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to ke^ ji the way of the trae of life. Genesis ill. 2i ; compare chap. vi.
Foe of mankind ! too bold thy race :
Thou runn'st at such a reckless pace, Thine own dire work thou surely wilt coufoun 1 :
'Twas but one little drop of sin
We saw this morning enter in, And lo ! at eventide the Avorld is drown'd.
See here the fruit of wandering eyes.
Of worldly longings to be wise, Of Passion dwelling on forbidden sweets :
Ye lawless glances, freely rove ;
Ruin below and wrath above Are all that now the wildcring fancy meets.
• Lord, when in some deep garden glade. Of Thee and of myself afraid, From thoughts like these among the bowers I hid 3, Nearest and loudest then cf all 1 seem to hear the Judge's call : — •'Where art thou, fallen man? come forth, and be thou tried."
Trembling before Thee as I stand, "Where'er I gaze on either hand The sentence is gone forth, the ground is curs'd :
8EXAGESIMA SUNDAY. C5
Yet mingled with the penal shower Some drops of balm in every bower oteal down like April dews, that softest fall and first
If filial and maternal lov3*
Memorial of our guilt must prove, If sinful babes in sorrow must be born,
Yet, to assuage her sharpest throes,
The faithful mother surely knows, This was the way thou cam'st to save the world forlorn.
If blessed wedlock may not blessf
"Without some tinge of bitterness To dash her cup of joy, since Eden lost,
Chaining to earth with strong desire
Hearts that would highest else aspire, And o'er the tenderer sex usurping ever most ;
Yet by the light of Christian lore
'Tis blind Idolatry no more, But a sweet help and pattern of true love,
Showing how best the soul may cling
To her immortal Spouse and King, How He should rule, and she with full desire approve
If niggard Earth her treasures hide, J To all but labouring hands denied. Lavish of thorns and worthless weeds alone,
* la sorrow thou shalt bring forth children, t Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee X Cursed is the ground for thy sake. C -Si
66 THE cnnisTiAX yeah.
The doom is half in mercy given To train us in our -way to HQaven, And shoTT our lagging souls how glory must be won.
If on the sinner's outward frame*
God hath impress'd his mark of blame, And even our bodies shrink at touch of light,
Yet mercy hath not left us bare.
The very weeds we daily wearf Arc to Faith's ejc a pledge of God's forgiving might
And oh ! if yet one arrow more, J
The sharpest of th' Almighty's store, Tremble upon the string — a sinner's death —
Art thou not by to soothe and save,
To lay us gently in the grave, To close the Aveary eye and hush the parting breath !
Therefore in sight of man bereft
The happy garden still was left. The fiery sword that guarded show'd it too.
Turning all ways, the world to teach,
That though as yet beyond our reach, i^iill in its place the tree of life and glory grew,
* I was afraid, because I -was naked.
t The LordGod made coats of skins, and clothed iheo.
X Thou Shalt surely die.
QUIXQUAGESiM.V SUNDAY. C7
I d ) set ]\Iy bow in the cloud, and it shall he for a token of a c&venanl between Me and the earth. Genesis ix. 13.
Sweet Dove ! the softest, steadiest plume
In all the sunbright sky, Brightening in ever-changeful bloom
As breezes change on high ; —
Sweet Leaf ! the pledge of peace and mirth,
"Long sought, and lately won," Bless'd increase of reviving Earth,
When first it felt the Sun ;—
Sweet Rainbow ! pride of summer daj's,
High set at Heaven's command, Though into drear and dusky haze
Thou melt on either hand ; —
Dear tokens of a pardoning God,
We hail ye, one and all, As when our fathers walk'd abroad,
Freed from their twelvemonth's thrall.
How joyful from th' imprisoning ark
On the green earth they spring ! Not blither, after showers, the Lark
Mounts up with glistening wing.
So home-bound sailors spring to shore, Two oceans safely past ;
G8 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
So hapjiy souls, -when life is o'er, Plunge in th' empyreal vast.
"SVliat -svins their first and fondest gazG
In all the blissful field, And keeps it through a thousand da^'S ?
Love face to face reveal'd :
Love iniag'd in that cordial look
Our Lord in Eden bends On souls that sin and earth forsook
In time to die His friends.
And -vrhat most -welcome and serene Da-wns on the Patriarcli's eye.
In all th' emerging hills so green, In all the brightening sky ?
What but the gentle rainbow's gleam,
Soothing the -wearied sight. That cannot bear the solar beam,
"With soft undazzling light ?
Lord, if our fathers turn'd to Thee
With such adoring gaze, Wondering frail man Thy light should see
Without thy scorching blaze ;
"Whore is our love, and vrhere our hearts, We -who have seen Thy Son,
Have tried Thy Spirit's -Nvinning arts, And yet -we are not -won ?
ASU-WEDXESDAY G9
The Son of God in radiance beam'd
Too bright for us to scan, Cut we may face the rays that stream'd
From the mild Son of Man.
There, parted into rainbow hues,
In sweet harmonious strife. We see celestial love diffuse
Its light o'er Jesus' life,
God, by His bow, vouchsafes to write
This truth in Heaven above ; As every lovely hue is Liglit,
So every grace is Love.
When thou fastest, a-.ioint thiue head, and wash thy face ; that then tppear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret.
St. Matthew ri. 17, 18.
•' Yes — deep within and deeper yet
" The rankling shaft of conscience hide, " Quick let the swelling eye forget
" The tears that in the heart abide. " Calm be the voice, the aspect bold,
** No shuddering pass o'er lip or brow, *' For why should Innocence oe told
*' The pangs that guilty spirits bow ?
70 THE CIIKISTIAN VIZAR.
'• The loving eye that watches tliine
" Close as the air that wraps thee round — "Why in thy sorrow should it pine.
"Since never of thy sin it found? ' ■ And wherefore should the heathen sec*
""What chains of darkness thee enslave, " And moclving say, Lo, this is he
" Who own'd a God that cou'.d not save ?"
Thus oft the mourner's wayward heart
Tempts him to hide his grief and die. Too feeble for Confession's smart,
Too proud to bear a pitying eye ; ilow sweet, in that dark hour, to fall
On bosoms waiting to receive Our sighs, and gently whisper all !
They love us — will not God forgive ?
Else let us keep our fast within,
Till Heaven and we are quite alone, Then let the grief, the shame, the sin,
Before the mercy-seat be thrown. Between the porch and altar weep,'
Unworthy of the holiest place. Vet hoping near the shrine to keep
One lowly cell in sight of grace.
Nor fear lest sympathy should fail —
Hast thou not seen, in night-hotirs drear,
•^ Wherefore should they 8.13- amcig tho people, Wlicre is their Goo i ;..W ii. 17.
ASH-WEDXESDAY.
When racking thoughts the heart assail, The glimmering stars by turns appear,
And from th' eternal home above "With silent news of mercy steal ?
So Angels pause on tasks of love,
To look where sorrowing sinners kneel.
Or if no Angel pass that way,
He who in secret sees, perchance May bid His own heart-warming ray
Toward thee stream with kindlier glance, As when upon His drooping head
His Father's light was pour'd from Heaven, What time, unshelter'd and unfed,-
Far in the wild His steps were driven.
High thoughts were with Him in that hour.
Untold, unspeakable on earth — And who can stay the soaring power
Of spirits wean'd from worldly mirth, W^hile far beyond the sound of praise
With upward eye they float serene, And learn to bear their Saviour's Waze
When Judgment shall undraw the screen ?
* St. Matthe-s- iy. 1.
THi: CIIEISTIAX YEAR.
(first ^unbnn iit g'fn.t.
n.istc thee, escape thither; fori cannot do anything till thou be come Ihither. Tlwrefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
Genesis xix. 22.
"Angel of -n-ratli ! why linger in rniJ air,
"WL'.lc the devoted city's cry "Louder and louder swells? and canst thou spare,
"Thy full-charg'd vial standing by?" Thus, with stern voice, unsparing Justice pleads :
lie hears her not — with soften'd gaze His eye is following where sweet Mercy leads, And till she give the sign, his fury stays.
Guided by her, along the mountain road. Far through the twilight of the morn,
"With hurrying footsteps from th' accui's'd abode He sees the hoi}' household borne :
Angels, or more, on either hand are nigh, To speed them o'er the tempting plain,
Lingering in heart, and with frail sidelong eye
Seeking how near they may unharm'd rcmaiu.
"Ah! wherefore gleam those upland slopes so fair?
"And why, through every woodland arch, ' • Swells yon bright vale, as Eden rich and rare,
Where Jordan winds his stately march ; "If all must be forsaken, ruin'd all,
"If God have planted but to burn ? — •• Surely not yet th' avenging shower will fall, •■ Though to my home for one last look I turn."
FIRST SUNDAY IX VENT. i
Tims while they waver, surely long ago They had provok'd the withering blast,
Lut tliat the merciful Avengers know
Iheir frailty well, and hold them fast.
''Haste, for thy life escape, nor look behind" — Ever in thrilling sounds like these
They check the wandering eye, severely kind,
Xor let the sinner lose his soul at ease.
And when, o'erwearied with the steep ascent,
^Ye for a nearer refuge crave, One little spot of ground in mercy lent,
One hour of home before the grave. Oft in His pity o'er His children weak,
His hand withdraws the penal fire. And where we fondly cling, forbears to wreak Full vengeance, till our hearts ar^i wean'd entire.
Thus, by the merits of one righteous man. The Church, our Zoar, shall abide.
Till she abuse, so sore, her lengthen'd span. Even Mercy's self her face must hide.
Then, onward yet a step, thou hard-won soul ; Though in the Church thou know thy place,
riie mountain farther lies — there seek thy goal.
There breathe at large, o'erpast thy dangerous race
Sweet is the smile of home; the mutual look When hearts are of each other sure ;
Sweet all the joys that crowd the household nook, The l.aunt of all afl'cctions pure ;
7
74 THE CIIiaSTIAN YEAE.
Yet in the world even these abide, and we
Above the world our calling. boast: Once gain the mountain top, and thou art free : Till then, whr -^ftst, presume; who turn to lack, ais lost.
^ccoub ^uub;i)T ill ^cnt.
And M-hen Esai; heard the words of his father, he cried with a great rnd exceeding bitter ery, and said unto his father, Bless me, even mo also, O my father. Geneds xxvii. 34. (Compare Ilehrcics xii. 17. He found no place of repentance, though be sought it carefully with tears.*)
'•AxD is there in God's world so drear a place " Where the loud bitter cry is rais'd in vain ?
"Where tears of penance come too late for gi'ace, "As on th' uprooted flower the genial rain ?"
"Tis even so : the sovereign Lord of souls
Stores in the dungeon of His boundless realm
Each bolt, that o'er the sinner vainly rolls. With gather'd wrath the reprobate to whelm.
Will the storm hear the sailor's piteous cry,| Taught to mistrust, too late, the tempting wave,
* The author earnestly hopes, that nothing in these stanzas will be understood to express any opinion as to the general eflficacy of what ia called "a death-bed repentance." Such questions are l)est left in tho mjrciful obscurity with which Scripture has enveloped them. Esau's probation, as far as his birthriglit was concerned, was quite over when he uttered tlie cry in the text. His despondency, therefore, is \W. pai- dllel to anything on tliis side the grave.
t Compare Bp. Batler's Analogy, p. 5i-Gl. ed. 173G.
s::coxD suxday in lent. ■ /•:
Vriien all around lie sees but sea and sky, A God in anger, a self-chosen grave ?
Or -will the thorns, that strew intemperance' bed, Turn with a wish to down ? will late remorse
Recall the shaft the murderer's hand has sped, Or from the guiltless bosom turn its course ?
Then may the unbodied soul in safety fleet
Through the dark curtains of the world above,
Fresh from the stain of crime ; nor fear to meet The God, whom here she would not learn to love :
Then is there hope for such as die unblest. That angel wings may waft them to the shore,
Nor need th' unready virgin strike her breast,
Nor wait desponding round the bridegroom's door.
But where is then the stay of contrite hearts ?
Of old they lean'd on Thy eternal word, But with the sinner's fear their hope departs,
Fast link'd as Thy great Name to Thee, 0 Lord :
That Name, by which Thy faithful oath is past. That we should endless be, for joy or woe : —
And if the treasures of Thy wrath could waste, Thy lovers must their promis'd Heaven forego.
But ask of elder days, earth's vernal hour, AYhen in familiar talk God's voice was heard,
When at the Patriarch's call the fiery shower Propitious o'er the turf-built shrine appear'd.
76 TUB CnillSTIAN TEAK.
Watcli by our father Isaac's pastoral door — The birthright sold, the blessing lost and vron,
Tell, Heaven has wrath that can relent no more, The Grave, dark deeds that cannot be undone.
We barter life for pottage ] sell true bliss
For wealth or power, for pleasure or renown ;
Thus, Esau-like, our Father's blessing miss.
Then wash with fruitless tears our faded crown.
Oar faded croAvn, despis'd and flung aside. Shall on some brother's brow immortal bloom.
No partial hand the blessing may misguide ;
No flattering fancy change our Monarch's doom ;
His righteous doom, that meek true-hearted Love The everlasting birthright should receive,
The softest dews drop on her from above,*
The richest green her mountain garland weave :
Iler brethren, mightiest, wisest, eldest-born, Bow to her sway, and move at her behest :
Isaac's fond blessing may not fall on scorn. Nor Balaam's curse on Love, which God hatli blest.
* Genesis xxvii. 2", 23.
THIRD SX'XDAY i:!? LEXT.
Wheu a strong man armed keepctli his palace, his goods are in peace: tut whea a stronger than he shall come upon him, and ovorconic him, lietaketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and diviJeth his .<poils. St. Lu.'fj xi. 21, 22.
See Lucifer like lightning fall,
Dash'cl from liis throne of pride ; While, answering Thy victorious call. The Saints his spoils divide ; This -world of Thine, by him usurp'd too long, Now opening all her stores to heal Thy servants' wrong.
So when the first-born of Thy foes
Dead in the darkness lay, When Thy redeem'd at midnight rose And east their bonds away. The orphan'd realm threw wide her gates, and told Into freed Israel's lap her jewels and her gold.
And when their wondrous march was o'er,
And they had won their homes, Where Abraham fed his flock of yore. Among their father's tombs ; — A land that drinks the rain of Heaven at will, '■Those waters kiss the feet of many a vine-cla 1 hill; —
Oft as they watch'd, at thoughtful eve, A gale from bowers of balm
iO THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Svrcsp o'er tlie billowy corn, and hca,\c The tresses of the palm, Just as the lingering Sun had touch'd with gold, Far o'er the cedar shade, some tower of giants old :
It was a fearful joy, I ween.
To trace the Heathen's toil. The limpid wells, the orchards gresn. Left ready for the spoil. The household stores untouchM, the roses bright Wreath'd o'er the cottage walls in garlands of de- limit.
And now another Canaan yields
To Thine all-conquei'ing ark ; — Fly from the "old poetic" fields,- Ye Paynim shadows dark ! Immortal Greece, dear land of glorious lays, Lo 1 here the "unknown God" of tliy unconscious praise !
The olive wreath, the ivied wand, "The sword in myrtles drcst," Each legend of the shadowy strand Now wakes a vision blest ; As little children lisp, and tell of Heaven, So thoughts beyond their thought to tliose high Bards were given.
* Where each old poetic mountain
Inspiration breathed around. Graj/.
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. i \)
And those are ours : Tliy partial grace
The tempting treasure lends : These relics of a guilty race Are forfeit to Thy friends ; What seem'd an idol hymn, now breathes of Thee. Tan'd by Faith's ear to some celestial melod3\
There's not a strain to Memory dear,
Nor flower in classic grove. There's not a sweet note warbled here, But minds us of Thy Love. 0 Lord, our Lord, and spoiler of our foes, There is no light but Thine : with Thee all beauty glows.
^-ourllj ^uubiijT ill ^nvt.
Joseph made haste ; for his howels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to veep ; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there. Genesis xliii. 39.
Tho-3 stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto \y.i brethren. Genesis xlv. 1.
When Nature tries her finest touch,
Weaving her vernal wreath, Mark ye, how close she veils her round, Not to be trac'd by sight or sound,
N^r soil'd by ruder breath ?
go TIIK CIIEISTIAN YEAR,
Who ever saw the earliest rose First open her sweet breast ?
Or, when the summer sun goes dowr.
The first soft star in evening's crown. Light up her gleaming crest ?
Fondly we seek the dawning bloom On features wan and fair —
The gazing eye no change can trace,
But look away a little space,
Then turn, and, lo ! 'tis there.
But there's a sweeter flower than e'er
Blush'd on the rosy spray — A brighter star, a richer bloom Than e'er did western heaven illume At close of summer day.
'Tis Love, the last best gift of Heaven .;
Love gentle, holy, pure ; But tenderer than a dove's soft eye. The searching sun, the open sky,
She never could endure.
Even human Love will shrink from sight
Here in the coarse rude earth : How then should rash intruding glance Break in upon her Sdcred trance "Who boasts a heavenly birth ?
So still and secret is her growth, Ever the truest lieart,
FOURTH SL'XDAY IX LEXT.
Where deepest strikes her kindly root For hope or joy, for flower or fruit, Least knoAvs its happy part.
God only, and good angels, Icok
Behind the blissful screen — As when, triumphant o'er His woes, The Son of God by moonlight rose.
By all but Heaven unseen :
As when the holy Maid beheld
Her risen Son and Lord : Thought has not colors half so fair That she to paint that hour may dare, In silence best ador'd.
/ The gracious Dove, that brought from Heaven
The earnest of our bliss,
Of many a chosen witness telling.
On many a happy vision dwelling.
Sings not a note of this.
So, truest image of the Christ,
Old Israel's long-lost son. What time, with sweet forgiving cheer. He call'd his conscious brethren near.
Would Aveep with them alone.
He could not trust his melting soul But in his Maker's sight —
82 TIIU CHRISTi.iS YEAR
Then -why should gentle heai-ts and true Bare to the rude world's witliering view Their treasure of delight !
No — let the dainty rose awhile
Her bashful fragrance hide — Rend not her silken veil too soon, But leave her, in her own soft noon. To flourish and abide.
And Moses said, I will noM- turn aside, and see this great sight, why tlie bush is not burnt. Exodus iii. 3.
Tn' liistoric Muse, from age to age, Through many a waste heart-sickening page
Ilath trac'd '.he works of Man : But a celestial call to-day Stays her, like Moses, on her way.
The works of God to scan.
Far seen across the sandy wild, Where, like a solitary child,
He thoughtless roam'd and free. One towering thorn-'' was wrapt in flame — Bright without blaze it went and came :
Who would not turn and see ?
* " Seneh :" said to be a sort of Acacia.
FIFTH SUKDAY IS LENT.
Along the mountain leclgss green The scatter'd sheep at will may glean
The Desert's spicy stores : The while, with undivided heart, The shepherd talks with God apart,
And, as he talks, adores.
Ye too, who tend Christ's wildering flock, Well may ye gather round the rock
That once was Sion's hill: To watch the fire upon the mount Still blazing, like the solar fount,
Yet unconsuming still.
Caught from that blaze by wrath divine, Lost branches of the once-loved vine,
Now wither'd, spent, and sere, See Israel's sons, like glowing brands, Tost wildly o'er a thousand lands
For twice a thousand year.
God will not quench nor slay them quite. But lifts them like a beacon light
Th' apostate Church to scare ; Or like pale ghosts that darkling roam, Hovering around their ancient home.
But find no refuge there.
Ye blessed Angels ! if Of you There be, who love the ways to view Of Kings and Kingdoms here ;
83
84. THE CHRISTIAN TEAR.
(And sure, 'tis worth an Angel's gaze.
To see, throughout tliat dreary maze,
God teaching love and fear :)
Oh say, in all the bleak expanse, Is there a spot to win your glance,
So bright, so dark as this ? A hopeless faith, a homeless race, Yet seeking the most holy place.
And owning the true bliss !
Salted with fire they seem,"-'- to show How spirits lost in endless woe
May undecaying live. Oh, sickening thought ! yet hold it fast Long as this glittering world shall last.
Or sin at heart survive.
And hark ! araid the flashing fire, Mingling with tones of fear and ire,
Soft Mercy's undersong — 'Tis Abraham's God who speaks so loud, His people's cries have pierc'd the cloud
He sees, He sees their wrong ;•)•
He is come down to break their chain ; ThDugh never more on Sion's fane His visible ensign wave ;
* St. Mark ix. 43. f Exodus iii. 7 J.
PALM SUNDAY, 35
'Tis Sion, wheresoe'er they clwell.^ "Who, with His own true Israel,
Shall own Him strong to save.
He shall redeem them one by one, Where'er the world-encircling sun
Shall see them meekly kneel : All that He asks on Israel's part, Is only, that the captive heart
Its woe and burthen feel.
Gentiles ! with fix'd yet awful eye Turn ye this page of mystery.
Nor slight the warning sound : *' Put off thy shoes from off thy feet— "The i^lace where man his God shall meet,
" Cg sure, is holy ground."
And IIo answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these shoiild bdd their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
^S-i-. Lulcp. xi.x. 40.
Ye Avhose hearts are beating high With the pulse of Poesy, Heirs of more than royal race, Fram'd by Heaven's peculiar grace, God's own work to do on earth,
(If the word be not too bold,) Giving virtue a new birth,
And a life that ne'er grows old —
so THE CIIKISTIAX YEAK.
Sovereign masters of all hearts ! Know ye, ivlio hath set your parts ? He "who gave you breath to sing, By -whose strength ye sweep the strings lie liath chosen you, to lead
His Hosannas here below ; — Mount, and claim your glorious meed ;
Linger not with sin and woe.
But if ye should hold your peace, Deem not that the song would cease — Angels round his glory-throne, Stars, His guiding hand that own, Flowers, that grow beneath our feet,
Stones in earth's dark womb that rest, High and low in choir shall meet,
Ere His Name shall be unblest.
Lord, by every minstrel tongue Be Thy praise so duly sung, That Thine angels' harps may ne'er Fail to find fit echoing here : ■\Ve the while, of meaner birth,
"Who in that divinest spell Dare not hope to join on earth.
Give us grace to listen well.
But should thankless silence seal Lips, that might half Heaven reveal. Should bards in idol-hymns profane Th( sacred soul-enthralling strain,
MONDAY BEFOEK EASTER. 87
(As in this bad world belo-w
Noblest things find vilest using,)
Then, Thy power and mercy show, In vile things noble breath infusing
Then waken into sound divine
The very pavement of Thy shrine,
Till we, like Heaven's star-sprinkled floor,
Faintly give back what we adore :
Childlike though the voices be,
And untunable the parts, Thou wilt own the minstrelsy.
If it flow from childlike hearts.
Doubtless Thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignoraut of us, ana Israel acknowledge us not. Isaiah Ixiii. 16.
"Father to me Thou art and Mother dear,
"And Brother too, kind Husband of my heart" —
So speaks Andromache* in boding fear. Ere from her last embrace her hero part —
So evermore, by Faith's undying glow,
We own the Crucified in weal or woe.
Strange to our cars the church-bells of our heme, The fragrance of our old paternal fields
* Iliad, vi. 420.
83 THE CHRISTIAN TEAR.
May be forgotten ; and the time may come
When the babe's kiss no sense «of pleasure yields Even to the doting mother: but thine own Thou never canst forget, nor leave alone.
Til ere are "svho sigh that no fond heart is theirs, Xone loves them best — 0 vain and selfish sigh !
Out of the bosom of His love He spares — The Father spares the Son, for thee to die :
For thee He died — for thee He lives again :
0"cr thee He watches in His boundless reign.
Thou art as much His care, as if beside Nor man nor angel liv'd in Heaven or earth :
Thus sunbeams pour alike their glorious tide To light up worlds, or wake an insect's mirth :
They shine and shine with unexhausted store — Thou art thy Saviour's darling — seek no more.
On thee and thine, thy warfare and thine end, Even in His hour of agony He thought,
When, ere the final pang His soul should rend, The ransom' d spirits one by one were brought
To His mind's eye — two silent nights and days*
In calmness for His far-seen hour he stays.
Ye vaulted cells, where martyr'd soors of old Far in the rocky walls of Sion sleep,
* In Passion \reek, from Tuesday evening to Thursday evening : dor in:^ which time Scripture secTOS to he nearly silent concoruing am Suv> )ur's proceeding"?
MONDAY BEFORE EA ITER. 89
Green terraces and arched fountains cold,
"Where lies the cypress shade so still and deep, Dear sacred haunts of glory and of "woe, Help us, one hour, to trace His musings high and low.
One heart-ennobling hour ! It may not be :
Th' unearthly thoughts have pass'd from eartli away,
And fast as evening sunbeams from the sea Thy footsteps all in Sion's deep decay
Were blotted from the holy ground : yet dear
Is every stone of hers ; for Thou wast surely here.
There is a spot within this sacred dale
That felt Thee kneeling— touch'd Thy prostrate brow: One Angel knows it. 0 might prayer avail
To win that knowledge ! sure each holy vow Less quickly from th' unstable soul would fade, OfFer'd where Christ in agony was laid.
Might tear of ours once mingle with the blood That from His aching brow by moonlight fell,
Over the mournful joy our thoughts would brood, Till they had fram' i within a guardian spell
To chase repining fancies, as they rise.
Like birds of evil wing, to mar our sacrifice.
So dreams the heart self flattering, fondly dreams ; — Else wherefore, when the bitter waves o'erflow,
Miss we the light, Gethsemane, that streams From thy dear name, where in His page of woe
8«
90 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
It shines, a pale kind star in "winter's sky?
Who vainly reads it there, in vain had seen Him die.
l/'ucsbitiT before (B:ui:x.
riiey gave U.xa to drink wine mingled with rajrrh : but lie received il not. St. Mark xv. 23.
'• Fill high the bowl, and spice it well, and pour " The dews ol3livious : for the Cross is sharp.
*' The Cross is sharp, and He
"Is tenderer than a Iamb.
"He wept by Lazarus' grave — how will He bear " This bed of anguish ? and Ilis pale weak form
"Is worn with many a watch
" Of sorrow and unrest.
" Ilis sweat last night was as great drops of blood, "And the sad burthen press'd Ilim so to earth,
"The vei^y torturers paus'd
" To help Him on His way.
"Fill high the bowl, benumb His aching sense "With medicin'd sleep." — 0 awful in Thy woe!
The parching thirst of death
Is on Thee, and Thou triest
The slumb'rous potion bland, and wilt not drink : Not sullen, nor in scorn, like haughty man
With suicidal hand
Putting his solace by :
TUESDAY BEFORE EASTEll. 91
But as at first Thine all-pervading look Saw from Thy Father's hosom to th' abyss,
Measuring in calm presage
The infinite descent ;
So to the end, though now of mortal pangs Made heir, and emptied of thy gloi-y awhile,
"With unaverted eye
Thou meetest all the storm.
Thou wilt feel all, that Thou mayst pity all ;
And rather wouldst Thou wrestle with strong pain,
Than overcloud Thy soul,
So clear in agony,
Or lose one glimpse of Heaven before the time. 0 most entire and perfect sacrifice,
Renew'd in every pulse
That on the tedious Cross
Told the long hours of death, as, one by one. The life-strings of that tender heart gave way ;
Even sinners, taught by Thee,
Look Sorrow in the face.
And bid her freely welcome, unbeguil'd
By false kind solaces, and spells of earth : —
And yet not all unsooth'd ;
For when was Joy so dear,
As the deep calm that breath'd, ^^ Father, forghe/* Or, "^e icith 3Ie in Paradise to-day?^'' ^
And, though the strife be sore,
Yet in His parting breath
92 THE :UK15T1AN YEAR.
Love masters Agony ; the soul that secm'd Forsaken, feels her present God igain,
And in her Father's arms
Contented dies away.
Svltcbncsbiin before (Eiisfcr.
Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: never- theless not My will, but Thine, be done. St. Luke xxii. 42.
0 LoED my God, do Thou Thy holy will —
I will lie still—
1 will not stir, lest I forsake Thine arm,
And break the charm, "Which lulls me, clinging to my Father's breast. In perfect rest.
"Wild Fancy, peace I thou must not me beguile
"With tliy false smile : I know thy flatteries and thy cheating waj'S ;
Be silent. Praise, Bl nd guide with siren voice, and blinding aL
That hear thy call.
Come, Self-devotion, high and pure. Thoughts that in thankfulness endure. Though dearest hopes are faithless found, And dearest hearts are bursting round. Come, Resignation, spirit meek, And let m.e kiss thy placid cheek.
■WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTEK. 93
Aul raad in thy pale eye serene Their blessiag, "who by faith can "wean Their hearts from sense, and learn to lovo God onW, and the joys above.
They say, "who know the life divine,
And up"ward gaze "with eagle eyne,
That by each golden cro-wn on high,"*
Rich "with celestial je"welry,
Which for our Lord's redeem' d is set,
There hangs a radiant coronet,
All gemm'd "with pure and living light,
Too dazzling for a sinner's sight,
Prepar'd for virgin souls, and them
Who seek the martyr's diadem.
Nor deem, "who to that bliss aspire.
Must "win their "way through blood and fire.
The "writhings of a "wounded heart
Are fiercer than a foeman's dart.
Oft in Life's stillest shade reclining.
In Desolation unrepining,
Without a hope on earth to find
A mirror in an ans"wering mind,
Meek souls there are, "who little dream
Their daily strife an Angel's theme,
Or that the rod they take so calm
Shall prove in Heaven a martyr's palm.
* " that little coronet or special reward which God hafn pre^
pared (extraordinary and besides the great Crown of all faithful souls) for those ' who liane not defiled themselves with women, hut follow the (virgin) Lan b for ever.' " Bp. Taylor, Ilohj Living, c. xi. sect. 3.
94 THE CHRISTIAJl TEAtL*
And there arc souls that seem to dwell
Above this earth — so rich a spell
Floats round their steps, •where'er they movej
From hopes fulfill'd and mutual love.
Such, if on high their thoughts are set,
Nor in the stream the source forget.
If prompt to quit the bliss they know.
Following the Lamb where'er he go.
By purest pleasures unbcguil'd
To idolize or wife or child ;
Such w^edded souls our God shall own
For faultless vii-gins round His throne.
Thus everywhere we find our suffering God.
And where He trod ]May set our steps : the Cross on Calvary
Uplifted high Beams on the martyr host, a beacon light
In open fight.
To the still wrestlings of the lonely heart
He doth impart The virtue of His midnight agony,
"When none was nigh, Save God and one good angel, to assuage
The tempest's rage.
Mortal I if life smile on thee, and thou fin. I
All to thy mind, Think, who did once from Heaven to Hell dcsctnd
Thee to befriend : So shalt thou dare forego, at His dear call,
Thy best, thine all.
TUURSDAT BEPORE EASTEni» 05
" 0 Father ! not my will, but Thine be done" —
So spake the Son. Ce this our charm, mellowing Earth's ruder noise
Of griefs and joys : That we may cling for ever to Thy breast
In perfect rest !
At the beginning of tliy supplications the commandment came forth, Rud I am come to shew thee ; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. Daniel ix. 23.
" 0 HOLY mountain of my God,
" How do thy towers in ruin lie, " How art thou riven and strewn abroad,
" Under the rude and wasteful sky !" 'Twas thus upon his fasting-day The " Man of Loves" was fain to pray. His lattice open* toward his darling west, Mourning the ruin'd home he still must love the Vest.
Oh ! for a love like Daniel's now,
To Aving to Heaven but one strong prayer. For God's new Israel sunk as low,
Yet flourishing to sight as fair, As Sion in her height of pride. With queens for handmaids at her side, "SVitli kings her nursing-fathers, throned high, A.nd compass'd with the world's too tempting bla- zonry.
* Daniel vi. 10.
96 TUE ciirasTiAN year.
'Tis true, nor winter stag's thy growth,
Nor torrid summer's sickly smile ; The flashing billows of the south
Break not upon so lone an isle. But thou^rich vine, art grafted there, The fruit of death or life to bear. Yielding a surer witness every day, To thine Almighty Author and His steadfast sway.
Oh ! grief to think, that grapes of gall
Should cluster round thine healthiest shoot I God's herald prove a heartless thrall,
Who, if he dar'd, would fain be mute ! Even such is this bad world we see, Which self-condemn'd in owning Thee, Yet dares not open farewell of Thee take, For very pride, and her high-boasted Reason's sake.
What do we then ? if far and wide
Men kneel to Christ, the pure and meek, Yet rage with passion, swell with pride.
Have we not still our faith to seek ? j^ay — but in steadfast humbleness Kneel on to Him, who loves to bless The prayer that waits for Him; and trembling strive To keep the lingering flame in thine own breast alive.
Dark frown'd the future even on him, The loving and beloved Seer,
L
GOOD FKIDAY. ^97
What time he saw, tlirougli shadows dim,
The boundary of th' eternal year ; He only of the sons of men Nam'd to be heir of glory then.* Else had it bruis'd too sore his tenda: heart To see God's ransom'd world in wrath and flame depart.
Then look no more : or closer watch
Thy course in Earth's bewildering ways, For every glimpse thine eye can catch
Of what shall be in those dread days : So when th' Archangel's word is spoken, And Death's deep trance for ever broken In mercy thou mayst feel the heavenly hand. And in thy lot unharm'd before thy Saviour stand. f
(l5oob <f nbajT.
lie is despised and rejected of men. Isaiah liii. 3.
Is it not strange, the darkest hour That ever dawn'd on sinful earth Should touch the heart with softer power For comfort, than an angel's mirth ? That to the Cross the mourner's eye should turn Sooner than where the stars of Christmas burn ?
* Daniel xii. 13. See Bp. Keun's Sermon on the character of Danit! t Thou Shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Daniel xii. 13.
9
08 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
\
Sooner than Tvhere the Easter sun
Shines glorious on yon open gi'ave, And to and fro the tidings ruuj
"Who died to heal, is ris'n to save ?" Sooner than^here upon the Saviour's friend.-? The very Comforter in light and love descends?
Yet so it is : for duly there
The bitter herbs of earth are set, Till temper'd by the Saviour's prayer, And v,'ith the Saviour's life-blood Avet, They turn to sweetness, and drop holy balm. Soft as imprison'd martyr's deathbed calm.
All turn to sweet — but most of all
That bitterest to the lip of pride, "\Vhen hopes presumptuous fade and fall, Or Friendship scorns us, duly tried, Or Love, the flower that closes up for fear When rude and selfish spirits breathe too near.
Then like a long-forgotten strain
Comes sweeping o'er the heart forlorn What sunshine hours had taught in vain Of Jesus suifering shame and scorn, As in all lowly hearts He suffers still, While we triumphant ride and have the world at wlli
His pierced hands in vain would hide Ilis face from rude reproachful gaze,
Ilis ears are open to abide
The wildest storm the tongue can raise.
EASTER DAY. 80
He wlio with ons rough word,- sorae early day, Their idol world and them shall sweep for aye away.
But we by Fancy may assuage
The festering sore by Fancy made, ** Down in some lonely hei'mitage Like wounded pilgrims safely laid. Where gentlest breezes whisper souls distress'd, That Love yet lives, and Patience shall find rest.
0 ! shame beyond the bitterest thought
That evil spirit ever fram'd, That sinners know what Jesus wrought. Yet feel their haughty hearts untam'd — That souls in refuge, holding by the Cross, Should wince and fret at this world's little los3.
Lord of my heart, by Thy last cry,
Let not Thy blood on earth be spent — Lo, at Thy feet I fainting lie,
Mine eyes upon Thy wounds are bent, Upon Thy streaming wounds my weary eyes Wait like the parched earth on April skies.
Wash me, and dry these bitter tears,
0 let my heart no further roam, 'Tis Thine by vows, and hopes, and fears, Long since — 0 call thy wanderer home ; To that dear home, safe in Thy wounded side, Whei-e only broken hearts their sin and shame n\i\y hide.
* Wisdom of Solomon xii. 9.
100 THE CHRISTIAN TEAB.
€nstcr 6bc.
A3 for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth tbj prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. Zichariah ix. 11.
A.T length the -worst is o'er, and Thou art hiid
Deep in Thy darksome bed ; All still and cold beneath yon dreary stone
Thy sacred form is gone ; Ground those lips where power and mercy hung.
The dews of death have clung ; The dull earth o'er Thee, and thy foes around, Thou sleep'st a silent corse, in funeral fetters wound.
Slecp'st Thou indeed ? or is Thy spirit fled,
At large among the dead ? Whether in Eden bowers Thy welcome voice
Wake Abraham to rejoice, Or in some drearier scene Thine eye controls
The thronging band of souls ; That, as Thy blood won earth. Thine agony Miglit set the shadowy realm from sin and sorrowfi-ee
AVhcrc'cr Thou roam'st, one happy soul, we know,
Seen at Thy side in woe,- AVaits on Thy triumph — even as all the blest
With him and Thee shall rest. Each on his cross, by thee we hang a while,
Watching Thy patient smile, Till we have learn'd to say, " 'Tis justly done; " Only in glory, Lord, Thy sinful servant own.''
* St. Lul:c xxiii. 43.
EASTER EVE. 101
Soon wilt Thou take us to Thy tranquil bower
To rest one little hour, Till Thine elect are number'd, and the grave
Call Thee to come and save : Then on Thy bosom borne shall we descend, \ Again with earth to blend.
Earth all refin'd with bright supernal fires, Tinctur'd with holy blood, and wing'd Avith puro desires.
Meanwhile with every son and Saint of Thine
Along the glorious line. Sitting by turns beneath Thy sacred feet
We'll hold communion sweet, Know them by look and voice, and thank them all
For helping us in thrall, For words of hope, and bright examples given To show through moonless skies that there is light in Heaven.
0 come that day, when in this restless heart
Earth shall resign her part. When in the grave with Thee my limbs shall rest.
My soul with Thee be blest ! But stay, presumptuous — Christ with thee abides
In the rock's dreary sides : He from the stone will wring celestial dew If but the prisonei's heart be faithful found and ('-ug.
When tears are spent, and thou art left alone With ghosts of blessings gone, 9*
lOlI THE CIIKISTIAX TEAR.
Think thou art taken from the cross, and laid
In Jesus' burial shade ; ' Take Moses' rod, the rod of prayer, and call
Out of the rocky -wall The fount of holy blood ; and lift on high Thy grovelling soul that feels so desolate and dry.
Prisoner of hope thou art* — look up and sing
In hope of promis'd spring. As in the pit his father's darling layf
Beside the desert way. And knew not how, but knew his God would save
Even from that living grave, So, buried with our Lord, we'll close our eye? To the decaying world, till Angels bid us rise.
And p.s they Mere afraid, and bowed down their fiiees to the earth, tliL'.v said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? lie i» not liere, but is risen. St. Luke xxiv. 5, 6.
Oh ! day of days ! shall hearts set free No "minstrel rapture" find for thee? Thou art the Sun of other days. They sliine by giving back thy rays :
* Turn yc to the strong hold, yo prisoners of hope. Zechnriah ix. li t They *ook him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit w.ia eropty, there wa/ no water in it. Getiesis xxxvii. 2i.
EASTER DAY 103
Enthroned in thy sovereign sphere Thou shedd'st thy light on all the year ; Sundays by thee more glorious break, An Easter Day in every week :
And Tveek days, following in their train, The fulness of thy blessing gain, Till all, both resting and employ, Be one Lord's day of holy joy.
Then wake, my soul, to high desires, And earlier light thine altar fires : The World some hours is on her way, Nor thinks on thee, thou blessed day :
Or, if she think, it is in scorn : The vernal light of Easter morn To her dark gaze no brighter seems Than Reason's or the Law's pale beams.
"Where is your Lord?" she scornful asks.' " Where is His hire ? we know His tasks ; - " Sons of a King ye boast to be ; " Let us your crowns and treasures see."
We in the words of Truth reply, (An angel brought them from the sky,) " Our crown, our treasure is not here, " 'Tis stor'd above the highest sphere :
" Methinks your wisdom guides amiss, " To seek on earth a Christian's bliss ;
104 THE CHRISTIAN YEAB.
<■< "We -vratch not now the lifeless stone ; ** Our only Lord is risen and gone."
Yet even the lifeless stone is dear For thoughts of Him -^-ho late lay here ; And the base -world, now Christ hath died. Ennobled is and glorified.
No more a charnel-house, to fence
The relics of lost innocence,
A vault of ruin and decay ; —
Th' imprisoning stone is roll'd away :
'Tis now a cell, where angels use To come and go with heavenly news, And in the ears of mourners say, "Come, see the place where Jesus lay:"
'Tis now a fane where Love can find Christ everywhere embalm'd and shrin'd ; Aye gathering up memorials sweet, "Where'er she sets her duteous feet.
Oh 1 joy to Mary first allow'd, "When rous'd from weeping o'er Ilis shroud, By His own calm, soul-soothing tone, Breathing her name, as still His own !
Joy to the faithful Three rcnew'd, As their glad errand they pursued ! Happy, who so Christ's word convey, That He may meet them on their way !
MONDAY IN EASTER WEEK. 10-'
So is it still : to lioly tears, In lonely hours, Christ risen appears : In social hours, who Christ would see Must turn all tasks to Charity.
gtonbag m (^mkx Mnk
Of a truth I ferceire that God is no respecter of persons : but in every nation he that feareth Him, and -worlteth righteousness, is accepted vith Ilim. Acts x. 34, 35.
Go up and watch the new-born rill Just trickling from its mossy bed, Streaking the heath-clad hill "With a bright emerald thread.
Canst thou her bold career foretell. What rocks she shall o'erleap or rend, How far in Ocean's swell. Her freshening billows send ?
Perchance that little brook shall flow The bulwark of some mighty realm. Bear navies to and fro
With monarchs at their helm.
Or canst thou guess, how far away Some sister nymph, beside her urn Reclining night and day,
"Mid reeds and mountain fern,
.06 TUE CHRISTIAN TEAR.
Nurses her store, ■with thine to blend When many a moor and glen are past, Then in the ivide sea end Their spotless lives at last ?
Even so, the course of prayer who knows It springs in silence where it will, Springs out of sight, and flows At first a lonely rill :
But streams shall meet it by and by From thousand sympathetic hearts, Together swelling high
Their chant of many parts.
Unheard by all but angel ears The good Cornelius knelt alone, Kor dream'd his prayers and tearb Would help a Avorld undone.
The while upon his terrac'd roof The lov'd Apostle to his Lord In silent thought aloof
For Heavenly vision soar'd.
Far o'er the glowing western main His wistful brow was upward rais'd, Where, like an angel's train, The burnish'd water blaz'd.
The saint beside the ocean pray'd, The soldier in his chosen bower.
TL'KSDAY IN EASTER VTEEK. lOi
"Where all his eye survey'd Seem'd sacred in that hour.
To each unknown his brother's prayer, Yet brethren true in dearest love Were they — and now they share Fraternal joys above.
There daily through Christ's open gale They see the Gentile spirits press^ Brightening their high estate With dearer happiness.
What civic wreath for comrades sav'd Shone ever with such deathless gleam, Or when did perils brav'd So sweet to veterans seem?
^iusb:i)| iit ©iTstcr Wittk
And they departed quickly from tlie sepulchre with fear and great joy and did run to bring His disciples word. St. Matthew xxviii. 3,
TO THE SNOW-DROP.
TiiDU first-born of the year's delight,
Pride of the dewy glade, In vernal green and virgin white,
Thy vestal robes, array'd :
108 THE CHRISTIAN TEAE.
'Tis not because tliy drooping form
Sinks graceful on its nest,. "When chilly shades from gathering storaa
Affright thy tender breast :
Nor for yon river islet wild
Beneath the -willow spray, Where, like the ringlets of a child,
Thou weav'st thy circle gay ;
'Tis not for these I love thee dear —
Thy shy averted smiles To Faucy bode a joyous year.
One of Life's fairy isles.
They twinkle to the wintry moon,
And cheer th' ungenial day, And tell us, all will glisten soon
As green and bi'ight as they.
Is there a heart, that loves the spring,
Their witness can refuse ? Yet mortals doubt, when angels bring
From Heaven their Easter news :
Vrhen holy maids and matrons speak
Of Christ's forsaken bed, And voices, that forbid to seek
The living 'mid the dead.
And wlicn they say, "Turn, Avandcring heart, *' Thy Lord is ria'n indeed.
TC£SD:i.r IX EASTER WEEK. 109
■ Let Pleasure go, put Care apart, "And to His presence speed;"
We smile in scorn : and yet we know
They early sought the tomb, Their hearts, that now so freshly glow,
Lost in desponding gloom.
They who have sought, nor hope to find»
Wear not so bright a glance : They, who have won their earthly mind^
Less reverently advance.
But where, in gentle spirits, fear
And joy so duly meet. These sure have seen the angels near.
And kiss'd the Saviour's feet.
Nor let the Pastor's thankful eye
Their faltering tale disdain. As on their lowly couch they lie,
Prisoners of want and pain.
0 guide us, when our faithless hearts
From Thee would start aloof, Where Patience her sweet skill imparts
Beneath some cottage roof:
Revive our dying fires, to burn
High as her anthems soar, And of our scholars let us learn
Our own forgotten lore.
10
110 THE cnnisTiAN year.-
cf irsl ^uubim afkr 6:istcr.
Seemcth it but a small thing \into you, that the God of Israel hatk separated you from the cougre,'^atiou of Israel, to bring you ueaf to Uimsclf ? I'Mmlers xvi. 9.
First Father of the holy seed, If yet, invok'd in hour of need,
Thou count me for Thine own, Not quite an outcast if I prove, (Thou joy'st in miracles of love,)
Hear, from Thy mercy -throne !
Upon Thine altar's horn of gold Help me to lay my trembling hold,
Though stain'd with Christian gore ; — The blood of souls by Thee redeem'd, But, while I rov'd or idly dream'd,
Lost to be found no more.
For oft, when summer leaves were bright, And every flower was bath'd in light,
In sunshine moments past, "^ly wilful heart would burst away From where the holy shadow lay,
"Where Heaven my lot had cast.
I thought it scorn with Thee to dwell, A Hermit in a silent cell.
While, gaily sweeping by, Wild Fancy blew his bugle strain, And marshall'd all his gallant train
In the world's wondering eye.
' FIEST SUNDxiY AriER LASTEU. Ill
I would have join'cl him — but as oft Thy -whisper-cl warnings, kind and soft,
My better soul confess'd. " Mj servant, let the world alone — " Safe on the steps of Jesus' throne
" Be tranquil and be blest.
" Seems it to thee a niggard hand
" That nearest Heaven has bade thee stand;
*' The ark to touch and bear, ''With incense of pure heart's desire *' To heap the censer's sacred fire,
" The snow-white Ephod wear?"
Why should we crave the worldling's wreath. On whom the Saviour deign' d to breathe,
To whom His keys were given,' V/ho lead the choir where angels meet, With angels' food our brethren greet,
And pour the di'ink of Heaven ?
When sorrow all our heart would ask. We need not shun our daily task,
And hide ourselves for calm ; The herbs we seek to heal our woe Familiar by our pathway grow,
Our common air is balm.
Around each pure domestic shrine Bright flowers of Eden bloom and twine, Our hearths are altars all ;
112 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
The praj-ers of hungry souls and poor. Like armed angels at the door, Our unseen foes appal. '
Alms all around and .hymns within — What evil eye can entrance win
Where guards like these abound ? If chance some heedless heart should roam, Sure, thought of these will lure it home ,
Ere lost in Folly's round.
0 joys, that sweetest in decay, Fall not, like wither'd leaves, away,
But with the silent breath Of violets drooping one by one, Soon as their fragrant task is done,
Are wafted hig-h in death.
^fcoub ^uubuji aftrr Easier.
He hath said, which heard the ■words of God, and knew the Icnow- ledge of the Most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, failing Into a trance, but having his e3-es open: I shall see Ilim, but not now: I shall behold Him, but not nigh: there shall come a star out of Jaccly, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners ot' ."^loab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. Jfumbers xxiv. IG 17.
0 FOR a sculptor's hand. That thou miglit'st take thy stand Thy wild hair floating on the eastern breczp
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 113
Thy tranc'd yet open gaze Fix'd on the desert haze, As one who deep in heaven some airy pageant sees.
In outline dim and vast
Their fearful shadows cast The giant forms of empires on their way
To ruin : one by one
They tower and they are gone, Yet in the Prophet's soul the dreams of avarice stay.
No sun or star so bright
In all the world of light That they should draw to Heaven his downward eye;
He hears th' Almighty's word.
He sees the AngeVs sword, Yet low upon the earth his heart and treasure lie.
Lo ! from yon argent field,
To him and us reveal'd, One gentle Star glides down, on earth to dwell.
Chain'd as they are below,
Our eyes may see it glow. And as it mounts again, may track its brightness well.
To him it glar'd afar,
A token of wild war, The banner of his Lord's victorious wrath :
But close to us it gleams,
Its soothing lustre streams AfDund our home's green walls, and on our church- way path.
10*
114 THE CHRISTIAN YEAE.
We in the tents abide
Which he at distance eyed Like goodly cedars by the -waterS spread,
While seven red altar-fires
Pvose up in wavy spires, Where on the mount he watch'd his sorceries dark and dread.
He watcli'd till morning's ray
On lake and meadovr lay, And willo-\v-shaded streams, that silent sweep
Around the banner' d lines,
"Where by their several signs The desert-wearied tribes in sight of Canaan sleep.
He watch'd till knowledge came
Upon his soul like flame, Not of those magic fires at random caught :
But true Prophetic light
Flash'd o'er him, high and bright, Flash'd once, and died away, and left his darken'd thought.
And can he choose but fear,
Who feels his God so near, Tliat when he fain would curse, his powci'less tongue
In blessing only moves ? —
Alas ! the Avorld he loves Too close aroui d his heart her tangling veil halh flung.
THIKD SUNDAY AFTER EASTEB. 115
Sceptre and Star divine,
Who in Thine inmost shrine Ilast made us worshippers, 0 claim Thine own;
More than Thy seers we know —
0 teach our love to grew Up to Thy heavenly light, and reap what Thou hast
^birb ^unbng after (Bn^hx,
A TToman -w-hen she is in trarail hath sorrow, because her hoi.r s come : but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remcmbereth no more the anguish, for joj that a man is born into the workL
St. John xvi. 21.
Well may I guess and feel Why Autumn should be sad ; But vernal airs should sorrow heal, Spring should be gay and glad : Yet as along this violet bank I rove,
The languid sweetness seems to choke n:y breath, I sit me down beside the hazel grove, And sigh, and half could wish my weariness were death.
Like a bright veering cloud Grey blossoms twinkle there, Warbles around a busy crowd Of larks in purest air.
116 Tiii: ciir.isTiAN year.
Shame on the heart that dreams of blessings gone, Or wakes the spectral forms of Tvoe and crime, When nature sings of joy and hope alone, Reading her cheerful lesson in her own sweet time.
Nor let the proud heart say, In her self-torturing hour, The travail pangs must have their way, The aching brow must lower. To us long since the glorious Child is born. Our throes should be forgot, or only seem Like a sad vision told for joy at morn. For joy that we have wak'd and found it but a dream.
Mysterious to all thought A mother's prime of bliss, When to her eager lips is brought Iler infant's thrilling kiss. 0 never shall it set, the sacred light
Which dawns that moment on her tender gaze, In the eternal distance blending briglit Ilcr darling's hope and hers, for love and joy and praise.
Xo need for her to weep
Like Thracian wives of yore. Save when in rapture still and deep Her thankful heart runs o'er. They mourn'd to ti-ust their treasure "on the main, Sure of the storm, unknowing of their guide:
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 117
Welcome to her the peril and the pain, For well she knows the home where they may safely hide.
She joys that one is born Into a world forgiven, Her Father's household to adorn, And dwell with her in Heaven. So have I seen, in Spring's bewitching hour,
When the glad Earth is offering all her besL,
Some gentle maid bend o'er a cherish'd flower,
And wish it worthier on a Parent's heart to rest.
Jfoiullj ^nuban after faster.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth ; It is expedient for you that I go away : for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you ; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. St. John xvi. 7.
My Saviour, can it ever be That I should gain by losing Thee ? The watchful mother tarries nigh, Though sleep have closed her infant's eye ; For should he wake, and find her gone. She knows she could not bear his moan. But I am weaker than a child,
And Thou art more than mother dear ; Without Thee Heaven were but a wild :
How can I live without Thee here !
" 'Tis good for you, that I should go, *' You lingering vet awhile below :"—
8 THE CIIRISTl-iN YEAH.
'Tis tliiiiG own gracious promise, Lon\ ! Thy saints have prov'd the faithful word, When Heaven's bright boundless avenue Far open'd on their eager view, And homeward to Thy Father's throne,
Still lessening, brightening on their sightt Thy shadowy car went soaring on ;
They track'd Thee up th' abyss of light.
Thou bid'st rejoice ; they dare not mourn, But to their home in gladness turn. Their home and God's, that favour'd place, Where still He shines on Abraham's race, In prayers and blessings there to wait Like suppliants at their Monarch's gate. Who bent with bounty rare to aid
The splendours of His crowning day, Keeps back awliile His largess, made
More welcome for that brief delay :
In doubt they wait, but not unblest : They doubt not of their Master's rest. Nor of the gracious will of Heaven — Who gave His Son, sure all has given — But in ecstatic awe they muse What course the genial stream may choose, And far and wide their fancies rove.
And to their height of wonder strain. What secret miracle of love
Should make their Saviour's g'.ing gain.
The days of hope and pi-ayer are past, The day of comfort dawns at last,
rOcxiTH su::day after easier. liO
The everlasting gates again Roll back, and, lo ! a royal train — From the far depth of light once more The floods of glory earth-ward pour : They part like shoTver-drops in mid air,
But ne'er so soft fell noon-tide shower, Nor ev'ning rainbow gleam'd so fair
To weary swains in parched bower.
Swiftly and straight each tongue of flame
Through cloud and breeze unwavering came.
And darted to its place of rest
On some meek brow of Jesus blest.
Nor fades it yet, that living gleam.
And still those lambent lightnings stream ;
Where'er the Lord is, there are they ;
In every heart that gives them room. They light His altar every day.
Zeal to inflame, and vice consume.
Soft as the plumes of Jesus' Dove They nurse the soul to heavenly love : The struggling spark of good within. Just smother'd in the strife of sin, They quicken to a timely glow, The pure flame spreading high and low. Said I, that prayer and hope were o'er ?
Nay, blessed Spirit ! but by Thee The Church's prayer finds wings to soar,
The Church's hope find eyes to see.
Then, fainting soul, arise and sing ; Mount, but be sober on the wins: :
120 THE CHRISTIAN YEAK.
Mount up, for Heaven is von by prayer,
Be sober, for thou art not there ;
Till Death the -weary spirit free,
Thy God hath said, 'Tis good for thee
To walk by faith and not by sight :
Take it on trust a little ■while ; Soon shalt thou read the mystery right
In the full sunshine of Ills smile.
Or if thou yet more knowledge crave, Ask thine own heart, that willing slave To all that works thee woe or harm : Shouldst thou not need some mighty charm To win thee to thy Saviour's side, Though He had deign'd with thee to bide ? The Spirit must stir the darkling deep.
The Dove must settle on the Cross Else we should all sin on or sleep
AYith Christ in sight, turning our gain to loss.
^liih ^itnbaiT after €ii$kx.
ROGATION SUNDAY.
And the Lord was very angry -with Aaron to have destroyed liim and I prayed for" Aaron also the same time. Deuteronomy ix. 20.
Now is there solemn pause in earth and heaven ;
The Conqueror now
His bonds hath riven. And Angels wonder why He stays below:
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. (21
Yet hath not man his lesson learn'd, How endless love should be return' d.
Deep is the silence as of summer noon, "When a soft shower Will trickle soon, A gracious rain, freshening the weary bower — 0 sweetly then far off is heard The clear note of some lonely bird.
So let Thy turtle-dove's sad call arise In doubt and fear Through darkening skies. And pierce, 0 Lord, Thy justly-sealed ear, Where on the house-top,* all night long She trills her widow'd, faltering song.
Teach her to know and love her hour of prayer. And evermore, As faith grows rare, Unlock her heart, and offer all its store In holier love and humbler vows. As suits a lost returning spouse.
Xct as at first,! but with intenser cry,
Upon the mount
She now must lie, -Til. Thy dear love to blot the sad account
* Psalm cii. 7.
1 1 fell do-wn before the Lord forty days and forty nights, as I fell duivu at the first. Deuteronomy ix. 25. 11
122 THE CnniSTIAN TEAR.
Of her rebellious race be ^on, Pitying the mother in the son.
But chiefly (for she knews Thee anger'd -R-orst Ey holiest things Profan'd and curst) — Chiefly for Aaron's seed she spreads her wings. If but one leaf she may from Thee Vrin of the reconciling tree.
For what shall heal, when holy water bancs ? Or who may guide O'er desert plains Thy lov'd yet sinful people wandering wide, If Aaron's hand unshrinking mould- An idol form of earthly gold ?
Therefore her tears are bitter, and as deep Her boding sigh, As, while men sleep, Sad-hearted mothers heave, that wakeful lie, To muse upon some darling child Pioaming in youth's uncertain wild.
Therefore on fearful dreams her inward sight Is fain to dwell — "What lurid light Sliall the last darkness of tho world dispel, The Mediator in His wrath Descci ding down the lightning's path.
* Exodus xxxii. 4.
ASCENSION DAI
123
Tet, yet awhile, offended Sayiour, pause, In act to break* Thine ontrag'd laws, 0 spare Thy rebels for Thine own dear sake ; Withdraw Thine hand, nor dash to earth The covenant of our second birth.
'Tis forfeit like the first— we own it all- Yet for love's sake Let it not fall ; But at Thy touch let veiled hearts awake. That nearest to Thine altar lie, Yet least of holy things descry.
Teacher of teachers ! Priest of priests ! from Thee The sweet strong prayer • Must rise, to free First Levi, then all Israel, from the snare. Thou art our Moses out of sight — Speak for us, or we perish quite.
giSCXUSlOll JIag.
' Why stand ye gazing tip into Heaven? this same Jesus, -n-hieh is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as y« have seen Him go into Heaven. Actn i. 11.
Soft cloud, that while the breeze of May Chants her glad matins in the leafy arch,
* Exodus xxxii. 19.
124 TUE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Draw'st thy bright veil across the heavenly way, Meet pavement for an angeVs glorious march :
My soul is envious of mine eye, That it should soar and glide with thee so fast,
The while my grovelling thoughts half buried lie. Or lawless roam around this earthly waste.
Chains of my heart, avaunt I say — I will arise, and in the strength of love
Pursue the bright track ere it fade away, My Saviour's pathway to His home above.
Sure, when I reach the point where earth Melts into nothing from th' uncumber'd sight.
Heaven will o'ercome th' attraction of my birth, And I shall sink in yonder sea of light :
Till resting by th' incarnate Lord, Once bleeding, now triumphant for my sake,
I mark Him, how by seraph hosts ador'd, He to earth's lowest cares is still awake.
The sun and every vassal star. All space, beyond the soar of angel -wings,
Wait on His word : and yet He stays His car For every sigh a -contrite suppliant brings.
He listens to the silent tear For all the anthems of the boundless sky —
And shall our dreams of music bar our ear To his s "ul-picrcing voice for ever nigh ?
SrXDAY ATTER ASCENSION. 1-5
Xaj, gracious Saviour — but as no-w Our thoughts have trac'd Thee to Thy glciry-lhrone,
So help us evermore ■with Thee to bow Where human sorrow breathes her lowly moan.
TVe must not stand to gaze too long, 1 hough on unfolding Heaven our gaze we bend,
AVhere lost behind the bright angelic throng We see Christ's entering triumph slow ascend.
No fear but we shall soon behold, Faster than now it fades, that gleam revive, When issuing from his cloud of fiery gold Our wasted frames feel the true sun, and live- Then shall we see Thee as Thou art. For ever fix'd in no unfruitful gaze,
But such as lifts the new-created heart, Age after age, in worthier love and praise.
As every man hath received t'le gift, even so minister the same Dne to another, as goc i stewards of tl e manifold grace of God.
1st. Peter iy IJ.
The Earth that in her genial breast Makes for the down a kindly nest. Where wafted by the warm south-west
It floats at pleasure. Yields, thankful, of her very best,
To nurse her treasure : 11*
128 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
True to licr trust, tree, herb, or reed, She renders for each scattered seed, And to her Lord -with duteous heed
Gives large increase: Thus year by year she Avorks unfeed,
And will not cease.
"Woe worth these barren hearts of ours, "Where Thou hast set celestial flowers. And water'd with more balmy showers
Than e'er distill'd In Eden, on th' ambrosial bowers —
Yet nought wc yield.
Largely Thou givcst, gracious Lord, Largely Thy gifts should be restor'd ; Freely Thou givest, and Thy word
Is, " Freely give."* He only, who forgets to hoard,
Has Icaru'd to live.
Wisely Thou givest — all around Thine equal rays are resting found. Yet varying so on various ground
They pierce and strike. That not two roseate cups are crown'd
Witli dew alike ;
Even so, in silence, likest Thee, Steals )n scft-handed Charity,
* St. Matthew x. 8.
SCXDAY AITEU ASCEXSION. 12 j
Tempering lier gifts, that seem so free,
By time and place, Till not a woe the bleak world see,
But finds her grace :
Ej-os to the blind, and to the lame Feet, and to sinners wholesome blar^e. To starving bodies food and flame,
By turns she brings. To humbled souls, that sink for shame,
Lends heaven-ward wings :
Leads them the way our Saviour went, And shows Love's treasure yet unspent ; As when th' unclouded heavens wei'e rent
Opening His road. Nor yet His Holy Spirit sent
To our abode.
Ten days th' eternal doors display'd Were wondering (so th' Almighty bade) Whom Love enthron'd would send, in aid
Of souls that mourn, Left orphans in Earth's dreary shadfc*
As soon as born.
Open they stand, that prayers in throngs
May rise on high, and holy songs,
Such incense as of right belongs '
To the true sbrine. Where stands the Healer of all wrongs
In lirrlit divine :
128 THK CHRISTIAN YEAR.
The golden censer in His hand, He offers hearts from every hmd, Tied to His own by gentlest band
Of silent Love : About Him winged blessings stand
In act to move.
A little while, and they shall fleet From Heaven to Earth, attendants meet On the life-giving Paraclete
Speeding His flight, AVith all that sacred is and sweet,
On saints to light.
Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, all Shall feel the shower of Mercy fall, And starting at th' Almighty's call,
Give what He gave. Till their high deeds the world appal.
And sinners save.
And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house -where they were sitting. And there Rl^peared unto them ploven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each 3i chem. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts ii. '2-i.
"When God of old came down from Heaven,
In power and wrath He came ; Before His feet the clouds were riven,
Half darkness and half flame •
WIIITSUXDAT. 129
Around the trembling mountain's base
The prostrate people lay ; A day of wrath, and not of grace ;
A dim and dreadful day.
But when He came the second time,
He came in power and love, Softer than gale at morning prime
Hover'd His holy Dove.
The fires that rush'd on Sinai down
In sudden torrents dread, Now gently light, a glorious crown,
On every sainted head.
Like arrows went those lightnings forth Wing'd with the sinner's doom, .
But these, like tongues, o'er all the earth Proclaiming life to come :
And as on Israel's awe-struck ear
The voice exceeding loud, The trump, that angels quake to hear,
Thrill'd from the deep, dark cloud;
So, when the Spirit of our God
Came down His flock to find, A voice from Heaven was heard abroad,
A rushing, mighty wind.
Nor doth the outward ear alone At that high warning start:
130 TUE cnr.isTiAX year.
Conscience gives back tli' appalling to te ; 'Tis echoed in the heart.
It fills the Church of God ; it fills
The sinful world around ; Only in stubborn hearts and wills
Ko place for it is found.
To other strains our souls are set :
A giddy whirl of sin Fills ear and brain, and will not let
Heaven's harmonies come in.
Come Lord, come Wisdom, Love, and Power,
Open our ears to hear ; Let us not miss th' accepted hour ;
Save, Lord, by Love or Fear.
SIoubiTiT ill ^Ibitsun-bcch.
Bo the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face .i all vfib , earth : and they left off to build the city. Genesis xi 8.
Since all .that is not Heaven must fade, Light be the hand of Ptuin laid
Upon the home I love : With lulling spell let soft Decay Steal on, and spare the giant sway,
The crash of tovrcr and jrvove
:uO::j;ay in wuitsux-week. 131
CoiV opcniag down some woodland deep in their own quiet glade should sleep
The relics dear to thought, And wild-flower wreaths from side to side Their waving tracery hang, to hide
What ruthless Time has wrought.
^uch are the visions green and sweet That o'er the wistful fancy fleet
In Asia's sea-like plain. Where slowly, round his isles of sand, Euphrates through the lonely land
Winds toward the pearly main.
Slumber is there, but not of rest ; There her forlorn and weary nest
The famish' d hawk has found. The wild dog howls at fall of night. The serpent's rustling coils affright
The traveller on his round.
What shapeless form, half lost on high,* Half seen against the evening sky.
Seems like a ghost to glide. And watch, from Babel's crumbling heap, Where in her shadow, fast asleep.
Lies fall'n Imperial Pride ?
* See Sir R. K. Porter's Travels, ii. 387. " la my second visit to \M:3 Nimrood, my party suddenly halted, having descried several daik objects moving along the summit of its hill, -Rhich they construed into dismounted Arabs on the look out: I took out my glass to examine, and iooa distinguished that the causes of our alarm ■were two or three majestic li)ns, taking the air upon the heights of the pyramid."
132 THE CHRISTIAN TKAR.
With lialf-clos'd eye a lion there Is basking in his noontide lair,
Or prowls in twilight gloom. The golden city's king he seems, Such as in old prophetic dreams*'
Sprang from rough ocean's womb.
Hiding the glorious sky From half the nations, till they own No holier name, no mightier throne ?
That vision is gone by.
Quench'd is the golden statue's ray,f The breath of heaven has blown away
"What toiling earth had pil'd, Scattering wise heart and crafty hand. As breezes strew on ocean's sand
The fabrics of a child.
Divided thence through every ago Thy rebels. Lord, their warfare wage,
And hoarse and jarring all Mount up their heaven-assailing cries To Tliy bright watchmen in the skies From BabeVs shat er'd wall.
Thrice only since, with blended might The naUons on that haughty height
* Daniel vii. 4. t Daniel ii. an<} Ul.
KONDAT IN WniTSUX-WEEK. 133
Have met to scale the Heaveu : Thrice only might a seraph's look A moment's shade of sadness brook —
Such power to guilt "vras given.
Now the fierce Bear and Leopard keen* Are perish'd as they ne'er had been,
Oblivion is their home : Ambition's boldest dream and last Must melt before the clarion blast
That sounds the dirge of Rome.
Heroes and Kings, obey the charm. Withdraw the proud high-reaching arm,
There is an oath on high. That ne'er on brow of mortal birth Shall blend again the crowns of earth,
Nor in according cr^'-
Her many voices mingling own One tyrant Lord, one idol throne :
But to his triumph soon He shall descend, who rules above, And the pure language of His lovef
All tongues of men shall tune.
Nor let Ambition heartless mourn ; When Babel's very ruins burn,
* Daniel vii. 5, 6.
t Then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may r.l' uxU upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent.
Zeplianiah iii. 9
12
134 THE Cnr.ISTlAN YEAR.
i Her high desires may breathe ; — O'crcome thj^sclf, and thou mayst share With Christ His Father's throne, -■• and -wear The world's imperial Tvreath.
(TucsbaiT m oalbltsini-tocch.
When He putteth fovth His own sheep, lie goeth before them.
St.,)cJ,ny..i.
{Addressed to Candidates /or Ordination.)
"Lord, in Thy field I T\-ork all day, "I read, I teach, I warn, I pray, "And yet these wilful wandering sheep "Within Thy fold I cannot keep.
" I journey, yet no step is won —
" Alas ! the weary course I run !
"Like sailors shipwrcck'd in their dreams,
"All powerless and benighted seems."
What ? wearied out with half a life ? Scar'd with this smooth unbloody strife ? Think where thy coward hopes had flown Had Heaven held out the martyr's crown
How couldst Thou hang upon the cross, To whom a weary hour is loss ?
To him ihat ovcrcometh -will I grant to sit with Me in My tlinne,
lieceladons iii. 21.
TCESDAY IN WHIISTN-WEEK. 135
Or liow the thorns and scourging brook, Who shiinkest from a scornful look?
Yet ere thy craven spirit faints, Hear thine own King, the King of Saints ; Though thou Tvert toiling in the grave, 'lis He can cheer thee, He can save.
He is th' eternal mirror bright, Where angels view the Father's light, And yet in him the simplest swain May read his homely lesson x^lain.
Early to quit His home on earth, And claim His high celestial birth, Alone with His true Father found Within the Temple's solemn round : — ^
Yet in meek duty to abide
For many a year at Mary's side.
Nor heed, though restless spirits ask,
"What? hath the Christ forgot His task?"--
Conscious of Deity within,
To bow before an heir of sin,
"With folded arm" on humble breast,
By His own servant wash'd and blest : —
Then full of Heaven, the mystic Dove Hovering His gracious brow above, To shun the voice and eye of praise. And in the wild His trophies raise ; —
13G THE CIlRIiTIAN YEAR.
"With hymns of angels in His ears, Back to Lis task of "woe and tears, Unmurmuring through the -world to roam With not a wish or thought at home : —
All but Himself to heal and save,
Till ripen'd for the cross and grave.
He to His Father gently yield
The breath that our redemption seal'd : —
Then to unearthly life arise, Yet not at once to seek the skies, But glide awhile from saint to saint. Lest on our lonely way we faint ;
And through the cloud by glimpses show How bright, in Heaven, the marks wiU gloTT Of the true cross, imprinted deep Both on the Shepherd and the sheep : —
"When out of sight, in heart and prayer Thy chosen people still to bear, And from behind Thy glorious veil, Shed light that cannot change or fail : —
This is Thy pastoral course, 0 Lord, Till we be sav'd, and Thou ador'd ; — Thy course and ours — but who arc they AYho follow on the narrow way ?
And yet of Thee from year to year The Church's solemn chant we hear,
TRINITY SUNDAY. • 131
As from Thy cradle to Thy throne
She swells her high heart-cheering tone.
Listen, ye pure -white-robed souls, Whom in her list she now enrolls. And gird ye for your high emjDrise By these her thrilling minstrelsies.
And whereso'er in earth's wide field, Ye lift, for Him, the red-cross shield, Be this your song, your joy and pride — " Our Champion went before and died.'
If I hare told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things ? St. John iii. 12.
Creator, Saviour, strengthening Guide, Xow on Thy mercy's ocean wide Far out of sight we seem to glide.
Help us, each hour, with steadier eye To search the deepening mystery. The wonders of Thy sea and sky.
The blessed Angels look and long To praise Thee with a worthier song, And yet our silence does Thee wrong,-- 12 *
138 THE cnrasTiAX tear.
Along the Cliurcli's central space The sacred weeks, "with unfelt pace, Have borne us on from grace to grace;
As travellers on some Tv^oodland height, When •wintry suns are gleaming bright, Lose in arch'd glades their tangled sight ;—
By glimpses such as dreamers love Through her grey veil the leafless grove Shows where the distant shadows rove ; —
Such trembling joy the soul o'er-awes As nearer to Thy shrine she draws: — And now before the choir we pause.
The door is clos'd — but soft and deep Around the awful arches sweep Such airs as soothe a hermit's sleep.
From each carv'd nook and fretted bend
Cornice and gallery seem to send
Tones that with seraph hymns might blen<l.
Three solemn parts together twine
In harmony's mysterious line ;
Three solemn aisles approach the shrine:
Yet all are One — together all.
In thoughts that awe but not appal,
Teach the adoring hear: to fall.
TRINITY SUNDAY. 139
Within these -walls each fluttering guest Is gently lur'd to one safe nest^ "Without, 'tis moaning and mrest.
The busy world a thousand -ways
Is hurrying by, nor ever stays
To catch a note of Thy dear praise.
Why tarries not her chariot wheel, That o'er her with no vain appeal One gust of heavenly song might steal?
Alas ! for her Thy opening flowers Unheeded breathe to summer showers, Unheard the music of Thy bowers.
What echoes from the sacred dome The selfish spirit may o'ercome That will not hear of love or home !
The heart that scorn'd a father's care. How can it rise in filial prayer ? How an all-seeing Guardian bear ?
Or how shall envious brethren own A Brother on th' eternal throne, Their Father's joy, their hope alone ?
How shall Tliy Spirit's gracious wile The sullen brow of gloom beguile. That frowns on sweet Affection's smilo?
140 TIIK CURISTIAN TEAR.
Eternal One, Almiglity Trine !
(Since Thou art ours, and we are Tliine,^
By all Thy love did once resign,
By all the grace Thy heavens still hide, AVe pray Thee, keep us at Thy side, Creator, Saviour, strengthening Guide !
^ix5t Suubag after Crinitg.
So Joshua smote all the country . . . and all their kings : he left DDHt remaining. Joshua x. 40.
Where is the land with milk and honey flowing.
The promise of our God, our fancy's theme ? Here over shatter'd walls dank weeds are growing, And blood and fire have run in mingled stream ; Like oaks and cedars all around The giant corses strew the ground. And haughty Jericho's cloud-piercing wall Lies where it sank at Joshua's trumpet call.
These are not sceties for pastoral dance at even, For moonlight rovings in the fragrant glades, Soft slum! ers in. the open eye of Heaven, And all the listless joy of summer shades AVe in the midst of ruins live, Which every hour dread warming give. Nor may our household vine or fig-tree hide The broken arches of old Canaan's pride.
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 141
Wliore is tho sweet repose of hearts repenting, The deep calm sky, the sunshine of the soul, Now Heaven and earth are to our bliss consenting, And all the Godhead joins to make us whole ? The triple crown of mercy now Is readj^ for the suppliant's brow, By the Almighty Three for ever plann'd, And from behind the cloud held out by Jesus' hand.
"Now, Christians, hold your own — the land before
ye
<'Is open — win your way, and take your rest." So sounds our war-note ; but our path of glory By many a cloud is darken'd and unblest : And daily as we downward glide, Life's ebbing stream on either side Shows at each turn some mould'ring hope or joy, The Man seems following still the funeral of the Coy.
Open our eyes, thou Sun of life and gladness,
That we may see that glorious world of Thine ! It shines for us in vain, while drooping sadness Enfolds us here like mist : come, Power benign, Touch our chill'd hearts with vernal smile. Our wintry course do Thou beguile, Nor by the wayside ruins let us mourn. Who have th' eternal towers for our appc'.nted b( urnc.
1-12 THE CnEISTIAX TEAE.
Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate ron. V-'a ki »w that tto have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.
1 St. John iii. 13, \i
The clouds that -wrap the setting sun
"When Autumn's softest gleams are ending, Whei'e all bright hues together run
In sweet confusion blending : — Why, as we watch their floating wreath, Seem they the breath of life to breathe ? To Fancy's eye their motions prove They mantle round the Sun for love.
When up some woodland dale we catch The many-twinkling smile-:'- of ocean, Or with pleas'd ear bcwilder'd watch
His chime of restless motion; Still as the surging waves retire They seem to gasp with strong desire, Such signs of love old Ocean gives, "We cannot choose but think he lives.
Vi'ouldst thou the life of souls discern ?
Nor human wisdom nor divine Helps thee by a-ight beside to learn ;
Love is life's only sign. The spring of tire regenerate heart, The pulse, the glow of every part,
-irovTicov r£ /fVjuarojJ-
/fiptOiiov yfSajjia ..Eschyl. Prom.
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 113
Is the true love of Christ our Lord, As man emhrac'd, as God ador'd.
• But he, ■whose heart -will bound to mark The full bright burst of summer morn, Loves too each little dewy spark.
By leaf or flow'ret -vrorn : Cheap foi-ms, and common hues, 'tis true, Through the bright shower-drop meet his view : The colouring may be of this earth ; The lustre comes of heavenly birth.
Even so, who loves the Lord aright,
No soul of man can worthless find ; All will be precious in his sight,
Since Christ on all hath shin'd : But chiefly Christian souls ; for they. Though worn and soil'd with sinful clay, Are yet, to eyes that see them true, All glistening with baptismal dew.
Then marvel not, if such as bask
In purest light of innocence, Hope against hope, in love's dear task,
Spite of all dark offence. If they who hate the trespass most, Yet, when all other love is lost. Love the poor sinner, marvel not ; Christ's mark outwears the rankest blot.
No distance breaks the tie of blood ; Brothers are brothers evermore ;
1 14 THE CHRISTIAN YEAH.
Nor wrong, nor wi'atli of deadliest mood.
That magic may o'erpower ; Oft, ere tlie common source be'knoTvn,* The kindred drops -will claim their own, And throbbing pulses silently Move heart towards heart by sympathy.
So is it with true Christian hearts ;
Their mutual share in Jesus' blood An everlasting bond imparts Of holiest brotherhood : Oh ! might we all our lineage prove, Give and forgive, do good and love, By soft endearments in kind strife Lightening the load of daily life !
There is much need ; for not as yet
Are we in shelter or repose. The holy house is still beset
With leaguer of stern foes ; Wild thoughts within, bad men without. All evil spirits round about. Are banded in unblest device, To spoil Love's earthly paradise.
Then draw we nearer day by day,
Each to his brethren, all to God ; Let the woi-ld take us as she may.
We must not change our road ; Not wondering, though in grief, to find The martyr's foe still keep her mind ;
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER la^XITY. 145
But fix'd to hold Love's banner fast, And by submission win at last.
S^birb ^uubuiT after SI^riniliT.
There is joj in the presence of the angels of Goi over one sin-^er thi* repenteth. St. Luke xv. 10.
0 HATEFUL spell of Sin ! when friends are nigh, To make stern Memory tell her tale unsought,
And raise accusing shades of hours gone by, To come between us and all kindly thought !
Chiird at her touch, the self-reproaching soul Flies from the heart and home she dearest loves
To where lone mountains tower, or billows roll, Or to your endless depth, ye solemn groves.
In vain : the averted cheek in loneliest dell Is conscious of a gaze it cannot bear,
The leaves that rustle near us seem to tell Our heart's sad secret to the silent air.
Kor is the dream untrue ; for all around
The heavens are watching with their thousand cyc5
We cannot pass our guardian angel's bound, Resign'd or sullen, he will hear our sighs.
He in the mazes of the budding wood
Is near, and mourns to see our thankless glance
1o O
140 THE CHRISTIAN YEAFv.
Dwell coldly, -where the fresh green earth is strew' d With the first flowers that lead the vernal dance.
In wasteful bounty showcr'd, thsy smile unseen, Unseen by man — but -what of purer sprights
By moonlight o'er their dewy bosoms lean To adore the Father of all gentle lights ?
If such there be, 0 grief and shame to think That sight of thee should overcloud their joy,
A neAV-born soul, just -waiting on the brink Of endless life, yet wrapt in earth's annoy I
0 turn, and be thou turn'd ! the selfish tear. In bitter thoughts of low-born care begun.
Let it flow on, but flo-w refin'd and clear, The turbid waters brightening as they run.
Let it flow on, till all thine earthly heart In penitential drops have ebb'd a-way.
Then fearless turn -where Heaven hath set thy cart, Nor shudder at the Eye that saw thee stray
0 lost and found I all gentle souls bclo-w
Their dearest Avelcome shall prepare, and prove
Such joy o'er thee, as raptur'd seraphs know, "Who learn their lesson at the Throne of Love.
rouRTn suxrAY after teixitt. li't
J'ouiijj ^uub;ii7 after oTrinitg.
For th) earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifesta- tion of the sons of God. For the creature was maJe subject to vanity, not -willingly, but by reason of Him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bond- age of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Romans viii. 19-22.
It was not then a poet's dream,
An idle vannt of song, Such as beneath the moon's soft gleam
On vacant fancies throng; :
Which bids us see in heaven and earth,
In all fail- things around, Strong yearnings for a blest new birth
With sinless glories crown'd ;
Which bids us hear, at each sweet pause From care and want and toil,
When dewy eve her curtain draws Over the day's turmoil,
In the low chant of wakeful birds, In the deep weltering flood,
In whispering leaves, these solemn wcrds- "God made us all for good."
All true, all faultless, all in tune,
Creation's wondrous choii', Opcn'd in mystic unison
To last till time expire.
148 THE CIiniSTIAN YEAE.
And still it lasts : by day and night, With one consenting voice,
All hymn Thy glory, Lord, hrighi, All worship and rejoice.
Man only mars the sweet accord,
O'erpowcring with "harsh din"
The music of Thy works and word, 111 matched with grief and sin.
Sin is with man at morning break, And through the live-long day
Deafens the ear that fain would wake To Nature's simple lay.
But when eve's silent foot-fall steals
Along the eastern sky, And one by one to earth reveals
Those purer fires on high,
"When one by one each human sound
Dies on .the awful ear, Then Nature's voice no more is drown' J,
She speaks, and we must hear.
Then pours she on the Christian heart That warning still and deep.
At which high spii-its of old would start E'en from their Pagan sleep,
Just guessing, through tlicir murky blind. Few faint, and baffling sight,
rOURTH SL'KDAl' AFTKIl TraXlTY. liU
Streaks of a brighter heaven "behind, A cloudless depth of light.
Such thoughts, the "wreck of Paradise,
Through many a dreary age, Upbore whate'er of good and wise
Yet liv'd in bard or sage :
They mark'd -what agonizing throes Shook the great mother's womb ;
But reason's spells might not disclose The gi-acious birth to come ;
Nor could th' enchantress Hope forecast
God's secret love and power ; The travail pangs of Earth must last
Till her appointed hour ;
The hour that saw from opening heaven
Redeeming glory stream. Beyond the summer hues of even,
Beyond the mid-day beam.
Thcncefoi-th, to eyes of high desire,
The meanest things below. As with a seraph's robe of fire
Invested, burn and glow :
The rod of Heaven has touch'd them all, The word from Heaven is spoken ;
'« Kise, shine, and sing, thou captive thrall "Are not thy fetters broken' 13*
150 THE CnRISTIAN YEAR.
*'The God "Who liallow'd tliee ani blest, "Pronouncing tlice all good —
" Ilatli He not all thy wrongs redrest, "And all thy bliss renewed?
*'"\Yhy mourn'st thou still as one bereft, " Now that th' eternal Son
" His blessed home in heaven hath left " To make thee all His own ?"
Thou mourn'st because Sin lingers still In Christ's new heaven and earth ;
Because our rebel works and will Stain our immortal birth :
Because, as Love and Prayer grow cold, The Saviour hides His face,
And worldlings blot the temple's gold "With uses vile and base.
Hence all thy groans and travail pains. Hence, till thy God return,
In "Wisdom's ear thy blithest strains, Oh Nature, seem to mourn.
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTEE TRINITY. 1-Jl
J'xftlj ^unbag after STriivHg.
Aad Simon answering said wnto Ilim, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net. And when tliey had this done, they enclosed a g:cat multitude of fishes: and their net br-ike. St. Luke v. 5, 6.
" The live-long niglit we've toil'd in vaiii,
" But at Thy gracious word " I will let down the net again : —
" Do Thou Thy will, 0 Lord !"
So spake the weary fisher, spent With bootless darkling toil.
Yet on his Master's bidding bent For love and not for spoil.
So day by day and week by week,
In sad and weary thought, They muse, whom God hath set to seek
The souls His Christ hath bought.
For not upon a tranquil lake
Our pleasant task we ply. Where all along oar glistening wake
The softest moonbeams lie ;
Where rippling wave and dashing oar Our midnight chant attend,
Or whispering palm-leaves from the short With midnight silence blend.
THE CHRISTIAN YEAB.
Sweit thoughts of peace, ye may not last: Too soon some ruder sound
Calls us from -where ye soar so fast Back to our earthly round.
For -wildest storms our ocean s-wcep :—
No anchor but the Cross Might hold: and oft the thankless deep
Turns all our toil to loss.
Full many a dreary anxious hour
We -watch our nets alone In drenching spray, and driving shower,
And hear the night-bird's moan :
At morn -we look, and nought is there ;
gad dawn of cheerless day I Who then from pining and despair
The sickening heai't can stay ?
There is a stay — and -we are strong ;
Our Master is at hand, To cheer our solitary song.
And guide us to the strand,
In His o-wn time : but yet a-while
Our bark at sea must ride : Cast after "cast, by force or guile
All -waters must be tried :
By blameless guile or gentle force, As -when He deign'd to teach
3IXTII SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 153
(Tlie lode-star of our Cliristian course) Upon this sacred beach.
Should e'er Tiiy wonder-working grace
Triumph by our weak arm, Let not our sinful fancy trace
Aught human in the charm :
To our own nets* ne'er bow we down,
Lest on the eternal shore The angels, while our draught they own,f
Reject us evermore :
Or, if for our unworthiness
Toil, prayer, and watching fail, In disappointment Thou canst bless,
So love at heart prevail.
^ivflj ^«nbag after Crnutjr.
David said iinto Nathan, T have sinned against the Lord. Ana Nathan said unto David, Tlie Lord also hath put away thy sin ; thou slialt not die. 2 Samuel xii. 13.
"When bitter thoughts, of conscience born,
"With sinners wake at morn, "When from our restless couch we start, With fever' d lips and wither' d heart,
* They sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag.
Haballiuk i. 16. "■ St. IMattlicw xiii. 4»
l.ji THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
"Where is the spell to charm those mists a-^i-y, And make new moi'ning in that darksome day ? One draught of spring's delicious air, One steadfast thought, that God is there.
These are Thy wonders, hourly wrought,- Thou Lord of time and thought,
Lifting and lowering souls at will,
Crowding a world of good or ill Into a moment's vision ; even as light Mounts o'er a cloudy ridge, and all is bright,
From west to east one thrilling ray
Turning a wintry world to May.
"Would'st thou the pangs of guilt assuage ?
Lo ! here an open page, "Where heavenly mercy shines as free, "Written in balm, sad heart, for thee. Never so fast, in silent April shower, Flush'd into green the dry and leafless bower, f As Israel's crowned mourner felt The dull hard stone within him melt.
The absolver saw the mighty grief.
And hasten'd with relief; — " The Lord forgives ; thou shalt not die ' — 'Twas gently- spoke, yet heard on high. And all the band of angels, us'd to sing In heaven, accordant to his raptur'd string,
* See Ilerbert'a Poems, p. ICO. t And all this leafless and uncolour'd scene Shall flush into variety again. Coirjiw.
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITt. 155
"Who many a montli liid turn'd away With veiled eyes, nor own'd his lay,
Now spread their wings, and throng iround To the glad mournful sound.
And welcome, with bright open face.
The broken heart to love's embrace. The rock is smitten, and to future years Springs ever fresh the tide of holy tears*
And holy music, whispering peace
Till time and sin together cease.
There drink ; and when ye are at rest, With that free Spirit blest, f
Who to the contrite can dispense
The princely heart of innocence, If ever, floating from faint earthly lyre Was wafted to your soul one high desire.
By all the trembling hope ye feel.
Think on the minstrel as ye kneel :
Think on the shame, that dreadful hour Wlien tears shall have no power,
Should his own lay th' accuser prove,
Cold while he kindled others' love : And let your prayer for charity arise. That his own heart may hear his melodies.
And a true voice to him may cry,
" Thy God forgives — thou shalt not die."
* The fifty-first Tsalm.
t rsalm li. 12. " Uphold me with Thy /ree Spirit." The original word seems to meau "ingenuous, princelv noble." Eead Bishof Home's Paraph ase on the verse.
156 TUE CHRISTIAN TEAr..
From whenco can a man eatisfy these men with bread here in the wil« derness ? St. Mark viii. 4.
Go not away, thou weary soul : Heaven lias in store a precious dole
Here on Bethsaida's cold and darksome height, "Where over rocks and sands arise Proud Sirion in the northern skies,
And Tabor's lonely peak, 'twixt thee and noonday light.
And far below, Gennesarct's main Spreads many a mile of liquid plain,
(Though all seem gathcr'd in one eager bound,) Then narrowing cleaves yon palmy lea, Towards that deep sulphureous sea.
Where five proud cities lie, by one dire sentence drown'd.
Landscape of fear ! yet, weary heart,
Thou need'st not in thy gloom depart, Nor fainting turn to seek thy distant home:
Sweetly thy sickening throbs are ey'd
By the kind Saviour at Ihy side : For healing and for balm even now tliine hour I3
No fierj' wing is seen to glide. No catcs ambrosial are supplied, But one poor fisher's rude and scanty store Is all He asks (and more than needs)
SEVEXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRIXITT. 157
Who men ami angels daily feeds, And stills the "wailing sea-bird on the hungry shore.
The feast is o'er, the guests are gone,
And over all that upland lone The breeze of eve sweeps wildly as of old —
But far unlike the former dx'eams,
The heart's sweet moonlight softly gleams Upon life's varied view, so joyless erst and cold.
As mountain travellers in the night,
AVhen heaven by fits is dark and bright, Pause listening on the silent heath, and hear
Xor trampling hoof nor tinkling bell.
Then bolder scale the rugged fell, Conscious the more of One, ne'er seen, yet ever near :
So when the tones of rapture gay
On the lorn ear, die quite away. The lonely world seems lifted nearer heaven ;
Seen daily, yet unmark'd before.
Earth's common paths are strewn all o'er Wi'h flowers of pensive hope, the wreath of man forgiven.
The low sweet tones of Nature's lyre
No more on listless ears expire. Nor vainly smiles along the shady way
The primrose in her vernal nest,
Nor unlamented sink to rest Sweet roses one by one, nor autumn leaves decay. 14
153 THE CUniSTIAX YEAR.
There's not a star tlie heaven can show,
There's not a cottage hearth below, Cut feeds with solace kind the willing soul —
Men love us, or they need our love ;
Freely they own, or heedless prove The curse of lawless hearts, the joy of self-control.
Then rouse thee from desponding sleep.
Nor by the wayside lingering weep, N'or fear to seek Him farther in the wild,
Whose love can turn earth's worst and ^^east
Into a conqueror's royal feast : Tliou wilt not be untrue, thou shalt not be beguil'd.
(Bigbtlj ^uubaiT nflcr S'rimtii.
It is the man of Gud, who was disobedient unto the word of the Lord.
1 Kings xiii. 2(j.
Prophet of God, arise and take "With thee the words of wrath divine,
The scourge of Heaven, to shake
O'er yon apostate shriue.
Where Angels down the lucid stair
Came hovering to our sainted six'cs,
Now, in the twilight, glare
The heathen's wizard fires.
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. I.j9
Go, ^ith thy voice the altar rend,
Scatter the ashes, be the arm, That idols would befriend, Shrunk at thy Tvitheriug charm.
Then turn thee, for thy time is short, Eut trace not o'er the former way,
Lest idol pleasures court
Thy heedless soul astray.
Thou know'st how hard to hurry by, Where on the lonely woodland road
Beneath the moonlight sky
The festal warblings flow'd ;
Where maidens to the Queen of Heaven Wove the gay dance round oak or palm,
Or breath'd their vows at even
In hymns as soft as balm.
Or thee, perchance, a darker spell Enthralls; the smooth stones of the flood,*
By mountain grot or fell.
Pollute with infant's blood ;
The giant altar on the rock. The cavern whence the timbrel's call AflFrights the wandering flock : — Thou long'st to search them all.
* Among the smooth stonec of the stream is thy portion ; tbcj, t^.s^ are thy lit. Isaiah lyii. 6.
IGO THE CHRISTIAN TEAR.
Trust not the dangerous path again — 0 forward step and lingering will !
0 lov'd and warn'd in va'in !
And wilt thou perish still ?
Thy message given, thine home in sight. To the forbidden feast return ? Yield to the false delight Thy better soul could spurn ?
Alas, my brother ! round thy tomb In sorrow kneeling, and in fear, We read the Pastor's doom "Who speaks and will not bear
The grey-hair'd saint may ftiil at last, The surest guide a wanderer prove ; Death only binds us fast To the bright shore of love.
IJxntlj ^ttubag after (iximhi.
And after the earthquake a fire ; but the Lord was not in the fire ; after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings xix. 12.
Ix troublous days of anguish and rebuke, While sadly round them Israel's children look,
And their eyes fail. for waiting on their Lord While underneath each awful arch of green. On every mountain top, God's chosen scene
Of pure h'*art- worship, Baal is ador'd:
KINTII SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY, IGl
'Tis well, true hearts should for a time retire To holy ground, in quiet to aspire
Towards promis'd regions of serener grace ; On Horeb, with Elijah, let us lie, Where all around on mountain, sand, and sky,
God's chariot-wheels have left distinctest trace ;
There, if in jealousy and strong disdain We to the sinner's God of sin complain,
Untimely seeking here the peace of Heaven — - '• It is enough,. 0 Lord ! now let me die " Even as my fathers did : for what am I
" That I should stand, where they hav* vainly " striven ?" —
Perhaps our God may of our conscience ask,
' ' Wliat doest thou here, frail wanderer from thy task ?
" AVhcre hast thou left those few sheep in the "Avild?"-^ Then should we plead our heart's consuming pain At sight of ruiu'd altars, prophets slain.
And God"s own ark with blood of souls defil'd ;
He on the rock may bid us stand, and see The outskirts of His march of mystery.
His endless warfare with man's wilful heart ; First, His great power He to the sinner shows, Lo ! iit His angry blast the rocks unclose.
And to their base the trembling mountains part :
* I Samuel xvii. 2S..
14*
132 THE CURISTIAN YEAR.
Yet iJic Lord is not here : 'tis not by Pov^er lie will be known — but darker tempests lower ;
Still, sullen Leavings vex the Jabouring ground: Porliaps His Presence thro' all depth and height, Lest of all gems, that deck his crown of light.
The haughty eye may dazzle and confound.
God is not in the earthquake ; but behold From Sinai's caves arc bursting, as of old,
The flames of His consuming jealous ire. AVoe to the sinner, should stern Justice prove His chosen attribute ; — but He in love
Hastes to proclaim, " God is not in the fire."
The storm is o'er — and hark ! a still small voice Steals on the ear, to say, Jehovah's choice
Is ever with the soft, meek, tender soul : Ey soft, meek, tender ways he loves to di'aw The sinner, startled by His ways of awe :
Here is our Lord, and not where thunders roll
Pack then, complainer ; loathe thy life no more, Xor deem thyself upon a desert shore,
Because the rocks the nearer prospect close. Yet in fallen Israel are there hearts and eyes That day by day in prayer like thine arise :
Thou know'st them not, but their Creator knows
Go, to the world return, nor fear to cast Thy bread upon the waters, sure at last*
* Eoclesiaatea .il. 1.
TENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 1G3
II joy to find it after many days. The work be thine, the fruit thy children's part : Clioose to believe, not see : sight tempts the heart
From sober walking in true Gospel ways.
^cntlj ^unbiTiT nftcr (Lnnitir.
And when Ila was come near, lie beheld the city, and wept over
St. Luke xix. i
Why doth my Saviour weep
At sight of Sion's bowers ? Shows it not fair from yonder steep,
Her gorgeous crown of towers ? Mark well His holy pains :
'Tis not in pride or scorn. That Israel's King with sorrow stains
His own triumphal morn.
It is not that His soul
Is wandering sadly on, In thought how soon at death's dark goal
Their course will all be run, "Who now are shouting round
Hosanna to their chief; No thought like this in Him is found,
This were a Conqueror's grief. -^
* Compare Ilerod. vii. 46.
1C4 THE CHRISTIAN \ZMX.
Or doth He feel the Cross
Already in His heart, The pain, the shame, the 'scorn, tlic loss?
Feel eyen His God depart ? No : though He knew full ■well
Tlie grief that then shall be— The grief that angels cannot tell^
Our God in agony.
It is not thus He mourns ;
Such might be Martyr's tears, When his last lingering look he turns
On human hopes and fears ; But hero ne'er or saint
The secret load might know, "With which His spirit waxeth faint ;
His is a Saviour's woe.
" If thou hadst known, even thou,
" At least in this thy day, " The message of thy peace ! but now
" 'Tis pass'd for aye away : "Now foes shall trench thee round,
"■ And lay thee even with earth, <'And dash thy children to the ground,
" Thy glory and thy mirth."
And doth the Saviour weep
Over His people's sin. Because we will not let Him keep
The souls He died to win ?
ELEVEXTU SUNDAY AFTER TEaNlTY.
Ye hearts, that love the Lord, If at this sight ye burn,
See that in thought, in deed, in Trord, Ye hate "what made Him mourn.
€kb£ullj ^wnban after E^vinitir.
Is it a time to receive monej-, and t. receive garments, and olive- yards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxeu, and men-servants, and maid servants ? 2 Kings v. 26.
Is this a time to plant and build, Add house to house, and field to field, When round our -walls the battle lowers, "When mines are hid beneath our towers, And watchful foes are stealing round To search and spoil the holy ground ?
Is this a time for moonlight dreams Of love and home by mazy streams, For Fancy with her shadowy toys. Aerial hopes and pensive joys, "While souls are wandering far and wide. And curses swarm on every side ?
No — rather steel thy melting heart To act the martyr's sternest part, To watch, with firm unshrinking eye, Thy dai'ling visions as they die. Till all bright hopes, and hues of day. Have faded into twilight gray.
1C6 THE CHRISTIAN Y£AR.
Yes — let tlicm pass -witliout a sigh,
And if the -svorld seem dull and dry,
If long and sad thy lonely hours,
And vrinds have rent thy sheltering bo-wers,
Bethink thee Tvhat thou art and where,
A sinner in a life of care.
The fire of God is soon to fall (Thou know'st it) on this earthly ball ; Full many a soul, the price of blood, Mark'd by th' Almighty's hand for good, To utter death that hour shall sweep — And will the Saints in Heaven dare weep ?
Then in Ilis wrath shall God uproot The trees He set, for lack of fruit, And drown in rude tempestuous blaze The towers His hand had deign'd to raise ; In silence, ere that storm begin, Count o'er His mercies and thy sin.
Pray only that thine aching heart. From visions vain content to part. Strong for Love's sake its woe to hide May cheerful wait the cross beside, Too happy if, that dreadful day. Thy life be given thee for a prey.*
* The Lord saith thus : Bshold, that which I hare built ■will I break inwn, and tliat which I have planted I will jiluck up, even this whole huid. And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, inihold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord : bui thy life will r give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest. Jeroniah xlv. 4, 5. •
TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRIXITI". 1G7
Snatch' d sudden from th' avenging rod, Safe in the bosom of thy God, How wilt thou then look hack, and smile On thoughts that bitterest seem'd erewhile, And bless the pangs that made thee see This was no world of I'cst for thee I
^iszB^ ^itnbag after S^iinifg.
And looking up to Heaven, He sighed, and saith unto liim, Ephpliatha, that is. Be opened. St. Marh vii. 31.
The Son of God in doing good
Was fain to look to Heaven and sigh :
And shall the heirs of sinful blood Seek joy unmix'd in charity ?
God will not let Love's work impart
Full solace, lest it steal the heart ;
Be thou content in tears to sow.
Blessing, like Jesus, in thy woe :
He look'd to Heaven, and sadly«sigh'd — What saw my gracious Saviour there,
With fear and anguish to divide
The joy of Heaven-accspted prayer?
So o'er the bed where Lazarus slept
He to His Father groaned and wept :
What saw He mournful in that grave,
Knowing himself so strong to save?
ICS THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
O'crwliclming tliouglits of pain and grief
Over His sinking spirit sweep ; — ""NVkat boo^s it gathering one lost leaf "Out of yon sere and Tvither'd heap, "Where souls and bodies, hopes and joys, "All that earth owns or sin destroys, "Under the spurning hoof are cast, "Or tossing in th' autumnal blast?"
The deaf may hear the Sayiour's voice,
The fetter'd tongue its chain may break i But the deaf heart, the dumb by choice. The laggard soul, that -will not wake, The guilt that scorns to be forgiven ; — These baffle e'en the spells of Heaven ; In thought of these, His brows benign Not even in healing cloudless shine.
No eye but His might ever bear
To gaze all down that drear abyss. Because none ever Saw so clear
The shore beyond of endless bliss : Tlie giddy waves so restless hurl'd. The vex'd pulse of this feverish world. He views and counts with steady sight, Used to behold the Infinite.
But that in such communion high He hath a fount of strength within,
Sure His meek heart would break and die, O'erburthen'd by His brethren's sin ;
TWr.LFTU SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 1 G9
^Veak eyes rn darkness dai'e not gaze, It dazzles like the noon-day blaze ; But He who sees God's face may brook On the true face of Sin to look.
"What then shall wretched sinners do,
"When in their last, their hopeless day, Sin, as it is, shall meet their view, God turn His face for aye away ? Lord, by Thy sad and earnest eye, "When Thou didst look to Heaven and sigh ; Thy voice, that with a word could chase The dumb, deaf spirit from his place ;
As Thou hast touch'd our ears, and taught
Our tongues to speak Thy praises plain.
Quell Thou each thankless godless thought
That would make fast our bonds again. From worldly strife, from mirth unblest, Drowning Thy music in the breast, From foul reproach, from thrilling fears, Preserve, good Lord, Thy servants' ears.
From idle words, that restless throng
And haunt our hearts when we would pray,
From Pride's false chime, and jarring wrono-, Seal Thou my lips, and guard the way :
For Thou hast sworn, that every ear,
"Willing or loth, Thy trump shall hear.
And every tongue unchained be
To own no hope, no God, but Thee. l5
170 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
And lie turne>.l Ilim unto His disciples, and said rrivatcljr, Blesytd are the ej-es which set, the things that j-e see : for I tell you, that manj prophets and kings have desired to see those things which 3-6 see, and have not seen them ; and to hear those things which je hear, and havo not heard them. St. Luke x. 23, 24.
O.v Sinai's top, in prayer and trance,
Full forty nights and forty days The Prophet watcli'd for one dear glance
Of Thee and of Thy ways :
Fasting he •\ratch'd and all alone, Wrapt in a still, dark, solid cloud.
The curtain of the Holy One Drawn round him like a shroud :
So, separate from the world, his breast Might duly take and strongly keep
The print of Heaven, to be express'd Ere long on Sion's steep.*
There one by one his spirit saw
Of things divine the shadows bright,
The pageant of Goi's perfect law ; Yet felt not full delight.
Through gold and gems, a dazzling maze, From veil to veil the vision led,
* See that thou make all things according to the rattern showed to thee in the mount. Jlebreics viii. 5.
THIRTELNTU SUNDAY AFTER TRIXITI. 171
And ended, -where uneartlilj rajs From o'er the ark were shed.
Yet not that gorgeous place, nor aught
Of human or angelic frame, Could half appease his craving thought ;
The void vtsls still the same.
'• Show me Thy glory, gracious Lord !
" 'Tis Thee," he cries, "not Thine, I seek."* — Nay, start not at so bold a word
From man, frail worm and weak :
The spark of his first deathless fire
Yet buoys him up, and high above The holiest creature, dares aspire
To the Creators love.
The eye in smiles may wander round, Caught by earth's shadows as they fleet ;
Cut for the soul no help is found. Save Him who made it, meet.
Spite of yourselves, ye witness this,f
Who blindly self or sense adore ; Else wherefore leaving your own bliss
Still restless ask ye more ?
This witness bore the saints of old "When highest rapt and favour'd most,
Still seeking precious things untold. Not in fruition lost.
* ExoJus xxxiii. 13. f Pense'i de Pascal, part 1, art. viiL
72 THE Cnr.ISTIAN YEAR.
Oanaan was theirs, and in it all
The proudest hope of kings dare claim ;
Sion was theirs ; and at their call Fire from Jehovah came.
Yet monarchs walk'd as pilgrims still
In their own land, earth's pride and grace ;
And seers would mourn on Sion's hill Their Lord's averted face.
Vainly they tried the deeps to sound Even of their own prophetic thought,
When of Christ crucified and crown" d His Spirit in them taught :
But He their aching gaze repress'd, Which sought behind the veil to see.
For not without us fully bless'd* Or perfect might they be.
The raj-s of the Almighty's face No sinner's ey« might then receive ;
Only the meekest man found gracef To see His skirts and live.
But we as in a glass espy
The glory of His countenance, Not in a whirlwind hurrying by
The tco presumptuous glance,
* That fchey vithout us should nc'l '^9 nude perfect. Ilcbrexcs xi. 4ft t Exodus xxxiii. 20-23.
FOURTEEXin SUNDAY AFTER TEIXITT. ITo
Bu^. with mild radiance every hour, From our dear Saviour's face benign
Bent on us ^^vith transforming power, Till we, too, faintly sliiue.
Sprinkled with His atoning blood
Safely before our God we stand, As on the rock the Prophet stood.
Beneath His shadowing hand. —
Bless'd eyes, which see the things we see i And yet this tree of life hath prov'd
To many a soul a poison tree, Beheld, and not belov'd.
So like an angel's is our bliss
(Oh ! thought to comfort and appal)
It needs must bring, if us'd amiss, An angel's hopeless fall.
<|^curtccullj ^uubiTg after ^rhutir.
And Jesus answering said. Were there not ten cleansed ? but v \ero Me the nine ? There are not found that returned to give gloi-y to ''-od, iive this stranger. St. Luhv xvii. 17, 18.
Ten cleans'd, and only one remain ! Who would have thought our nature's stain Was dyed so foul, so deep H grain ? 15 «
174 THE CHRISTIAN YEAH.
Even He wlio reads the heart,— Knows what He gave and what we lost, Sin's forfeit, and redemption's cost, — By a short pang of wonder cross'd
Seems at the sight to start :
Yet 'twas not wonder, but His love Our wavering spirits would reprove, That heaven-ward seem so free to move
When earth can yield no more : Then from afar on God we cry ; But should the mist of woe roll by, Not showers across an April sky
Drift, when the storm is o'er,
Faster than those false drops and few Fleet from the heart, a worthless dew. What sadder scene can angels view
Than self-deceiving tears, Pour'd idly over some dark page Of earlier life, though pride or rage The record of to-day engage,
A woe for future years ?
Spii'its, that round the sick man's bed Watch'd, noting down each prayer he made, Were your unerring roll displayed,
His pride of health to' abase ; Or, when soft showers in season fall Answering a famish'd nation's call. Should unseen fingers on the wall
Our vows forgotten trace ;
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TKlXIir. 175
How should -we gaze in trance of fear I Yet shines the light as thrilling clear From Heaven upon that scroll severe,
" Ten cleans'd and one remain !" N 3r surer would the blessing prove Of humbled hearts, that own Thy love, Should choral welcome from above
Yisit our senses ^jlain :
Than by Thy placid voice and brow. With healing first, with comfort now, Turn'd upon him, who hastes to bow
Before Thee, heart and knee ; " Oh ! thou, who only would'st be blest, <' On thee alone My blessing rest ! <' Rise, go thy way in peace, possess'd
*'For evermore of Me."
Cousider the lilies of tlie field, how they grow.
St. Maltheio vi.
Sweet nurslings of the vernal skies,
Bath'd in soft airs, and fed with dew, "What more than magic in you lies,
To fill the heart's fond view ? In childhood's sports, companions gay, In sorrow, on Life's downward way, How soothing! in o\ir last decay Memorials prompt and true.
i7G THE ClIUISTIAN YEAR,
Relics ye are of Eden's bowers, As pure, as fragrant, and as fair,
As -when ye crownM the sunshine hours Of happy ■svandcrci's there.
Fall'n all beside — the •world of life,
IIow is it stain'd with fear and strife !
In Reason's world what storms are rife, What passions range and glare !
But cheerful and unchang'd the while Your first and perfect form ye show,
The same that won Eve's matron smile In the world's opening glow.
The stars of heaven a course are taught
Too high above our human thought ;
Ye may be found if ye are sought, And as we gaze, we know.
Ye dwell beside our paths and homes.
Our paths of sin, our homes of sorrow, And guilty man, where'er he roams. Your innocent mirth may borrow The birds of air before us fleet, Tlicy cannot brook our shame to meet — But Ave may taste your solace sweet And come again to-morrow.
Ye fearless in your nests abide — Nor may we scorn, too proudly wise,
Your silent lessons, undescried By all but lowly eyes :
SIXTEEXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.
For ye could draw th' admiring gaze Of Him wlio worlds and hearts surveys : Your order wild, your fragrant maze, He taught us how to prize.
Ye felt your Maker's smile that hour. As when he paus'd and own'd you goc^i ;
His blessing on earth's primal hower. Ye felt it all renew'd.
What care ye now, if winter's storm
Sweep ruthless o'er each silken form ?
Christ's blessing at your heart is warm, Ye fear no vexing mood.
Alas ! of thousand bosoms kind,
That daily court you and caress. How few the happy secret find
Of your calm loveliness ! " Live for to-day ! to-morrow's light " To-morrow's cares shall hring to sight, " Go sleep like closing flowers at night, " And Heaven thy morn will ^less."
I desive tliat ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which Is yont glory. Ephcsians iii. 13.
Wish not, dear friends, my pain away — Wish me a wise and thankful heart.
178 THE CHRISTIAN YKAF..
Vritli God, in all my griefs, to stay, Nor from His lov'd correction start.
The dearest offering He can crave His portion in our souls to prove,
"What is it to the gift He gave, The only Son of His dear love ?
But "we, like vex'd unquiet sprights, Will still be hovering o'er the tomb,
"Where buried lie our vain delights, Nor STveetly take a sinner's doom.
In Life's long sickness evermore
Our thoughts are tossing to and fro :
"We change our posture o'er and o'ei-, But cannot rest, nor cheat our woe.
"Were it not better to lie still,
Let Him strike home and bless the rod, Never so safe as -when our -will
Yields undiscern'd by all but God ?
Thy precious things, "whate'er they be, That haunt and vex thee, heart and braia
Look to the Cross, and thou shalt see How thou mayst turn them all to gain,
Lovest thou praise ? the Cross is shame ;
Or ease? the Cross is bitter grief: More pangs than tongue or heart can fra:ne
"Were suffcr'd there without relief.
SEVENTEENTH SUXDAl AFTEIl TRINITT. 179
We of tliat Altar would partake, JBut cannot quit the cost — no throne
l3 ours, to leave for Thy dear sake — "We cannot do as thou hast done.
We cannot part with Heaven for Thee — Yet guide us in Thy track of love : ■
Let us gaze on where light should be. Though not a beam the clouds remove.
So wanderers ever fond and true
Look homeward through the evening sky.
Without a streak of heaven's soft blue To aid Affection's dreaming eye.
The wanderer seeks his native bower. And we will look and long for Thee, And thank Thee for each trying hour,
^jcknlccntlj ^xinbajT nftcr (Lrmitji.
Ereiy man of the house of Israel that setteth np his iuols iu his heart, and putteth the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face, and Cometh to the Prophet; I the Lord will answer him that conicrb according to the multitude of his idols. Ezekiel xir. 4.
Stately thy walls, and holy are the prayers Which day and night before thine altars rise :
Not statelier, towering o'er her marble stairs, Flash'd Sion's gilded dome to summer skies.
180 TIIK CIiniSTIAX YEAR.
Not holier, while around him angels bow'd, From Aaron's censer steam'd the spicy cloud,
Before the mercy-seat. 0 Mother dear, Wilt thovi 1 jrgive thy son one boding sigh ?
Forgive, if round thy towers he walk in fear, And tell thj jewels o'er with jealous eye ?
Mindful of that sad vision, which in thought*
From Chebar's plains the captive prophet brought
To see lost Sign's sliame. 'Twas morning prime, And like a Queen new seated on her throne,
God's crowned mountain, as in happier time, Seem'd to rejoice in sunshine all her own :
So bright, while all in shade around her lay.
Her northern pinnacles had caught th' emerging ray
The dazzling lines of her majestic roof
Cross'd witn as free a span the vault of heaven.
As when twelve tribes knelt silently aloof
Ere God His answer to their king had given, f
Ere yet upon the new-built altar fell
The glory of the Lord, the Lord of Israel.
All seems the same : but enter in and see What idol s'lapes are on the wall portray'd : J
And watch their shameless and unholy glee. Who worship there in Aaron's robes array'd:
Hear Judah's maids the dirge to Thammuz pour,§
And mark hei chiefs yon orient sun adore. 11
* Ezekiel viii. .\. f 1 Kings viii. r,. J Ezeki:l t:
2 Eiekicl viii. U. ] Ezekiel viii. Ifi.
si:ae.\teenth suxday apter TiaxiTY, 161
Vcl turn tlice, son of man — for worse fhan tliese Thou must behold : thy loathing were but lost
On (lead men's crimes, and Jews' idolatries — Come, learn to tell aright thine own sins' cost, —
And sure their sin as far from equals thine,
As earthly hopes abus'd are less than hopes divine.
Vv'liat if within His world, His Church, our Lord Have enter'd thee, as in some temple gate,
Where, looking round, each glance might thee afford Some glorious earnest of thine high estate.
And thou, false heart and frail, hast turn'd from all
To worship pleasure's shadow on the wall ?
If, when the Lord of Glory was in sight. Thou turn thy back upon that fountain clear,
To bow before the " little drop of light,"
Which dim-eyed men call praise and glory here ;
What dost thou, but adore the sun, and scorn
[lim at Vv'hose only word both sun and stars were born ?
[f, while around thee gales from Eden breathe, Thou hide thine eyes, to make thy peevish moan
Over some broken reed of earth beneath. Some darling of blind fancy dead and gone,
As wisely mightst thou in Jehovah's fane
Offer thy love and tears to Thammuz slain.
Turn thee from these, or dare not to inquire Of Him whose name is Jealous, lest in wrath 16
182 THE CHRISTIAN YEAH.
He licar and answer thine unblest desire :
Far better we should cross H^s lightning's path Than be according to our idols heard, And God should take us at our own vain word.
Thou who hast deign'd the Christian's heart to call Thy Church and Shrine ; whene'er our rebel will
Would in that chosen home of Thine instal Belial or Mammon, grant vis not the ill
We blindly ask ; in very love refuse
Whate'er Thou know'st our weakness would abuse.
Or rather help us. Lord, to choose the good, To pray for nought, to seek to none, but Thee,
Xor by " our daily bread" mean common food. Nor say, " From this world's evil set us free ;"
Teach us to love, with Christ, our solo true bliss.
Klse, though in Christ's own words, we surely pray amiss.
6icjbf£iullj ^;iubiirr uftci- (Liiuitij.
I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and tliarc v.-ill J plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with j-our fatliers in '.lie wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will i plead with you, salth the Lord God. £zeJdei xx. 35, 33.
It is so — ope thine eyes, and sec — What view'st thou all around ?
A desert, where iniquity
And knowledge both abound.
EIOnTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER XraXITY. iSc
In the waste howling wilderness
The Church is wandering still,*
Because we would not onward press "When close to Sion's hill.
Back to the world we faithless turn'd,
And far along the wild, With labour lost and sorrow earn'd.
Our steps have been beguil'd.
Yet full before us, all the while,
The shadowing pillar stays, The living waters brightly smile,
Th' eternal turrets blaze.
Yet Heaven is raining angels' bread
To be our daily food. And fresh, as when it first was shed.
Springs forth the Saviour's blood
From every region, race, and speech,
Believing myriads throng. Till, far as sin and sorrow reach,
Thy grace is spread along ;
Till sweetest nature, brightest art,
Their votive incense bring. And every voice and every heart
Own Thee their God and King.
All own ; but few, alas ! will love , Too like the recreant band
* Revelations xii. 14.
IS-i TUE CURISTIAN YEAR.
That Avitli Thy patient Spirit strove Upon the Red-sea strand.
0 Father of long-suffering grace, Thou who hast sworn to stay
Pleading with sinners face to face Through all their devious way :
How shall we speak to Thee. 0 Lord,
Or how in silence lie ? Look on us, and we are abhorr'd.
Turn from us, and we die.
Thy guardian fire. Thy guiding cloud,
Still let them gild our wall. Nor be our foes and Thine allow'd
To see us faint and fall.
Too oft, within this camp of Thine,
llebellious murmurs rise ; Sin cannot bear to see Thee shine
So awful to her eyes.
Fain would our lawless hearts escape,
And with the heathen be, To worship every monstrous shape
In fancied darkness free.
Vain thought, that shall not be at all I* Refuse we or obey,
* That which cometh into j-our mind shall not beat all, that yb say, Wi.' will be as the heatbcn, as the families of the countries, to setv^ \vu -1 and stone Ezelde, sx. 32.
tlGIITKENTH SUNDAY AFTER TPaXITY. 185
Our ears have heard tli' Almighty's call, We cannot be as they.
We cannot hope the heathen's cloem
To whom God's Son is given, Whose eyes have seen beyond the tomb,
Who have the key of Heaven.
Weak tremblers on the edge of woe,
Yet shrinking from true bliss, Our rest must be "no rest below,"
And let our prayer be this :
" Lord, wave again Thy chastening rod,
" Till every idol throne <' Crumble to dust, and Thou, 0 God,
" Reign in our hearts alone.
<' Bring all our wandering fancies home,
" For Thou hast every spell, '' And 'mid the heathen where they roam,
" Thou knowest, Lord, too well.
** Thou know'st our service sad and hard.
" Thou know'st us fond and frail ;— " Win us to be belov'd and spar'd
" When all the world shall fail.
«' So -ohen at last our weary days
"Are well-nigh wasted here, <« And we can trace Thy Avondrous ways
"In distance calm and clear, IG*
18G THE ciirasTiAN year,
" Wlicn in Thy love and Israel's sin
" We read our story true, " We may not, all too late, begtn
"To Avish our hopes were new:
"Long lov'd, long tried, Icng spar'd aij they,
" Unlike in this alone, '• That, by Thy grace, our hearts shall stay
"For evermore Thine own."
|TinctuutIj ^«ubag after STriintir.
Then Nebuchadnezzar the King VTcas astonied, and rose up in Jiastc, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire ? They answered and said uuto the king. True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt ; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Daniel iii. 24, 25.
When Persecution's torrent blaze
AVraps the unshrinking Martyr's head ;
When fade all earthly flowers and bays. When summer friends are gone and fled,
Is he alone in that dark hour
Who owns the Lord of love and power ?
Or waves there. not around his brow A wand no human arm may wield.
Fraught with a spell no angels know, His steps to guide, his soul to shield ?
Thou, Saviour, art his Charmed Bower,
His Magic King, his Rock, his Tower.
NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTEK TRINITY. ISi
And when the wicked ones behold Thy favourites walking in Thy light,
Just as, in fancied triumph bold,
They deem'd them lost in deadly night,
Amaz'd they cry, " What spell is this,
" Which turns their sufferings all to bliss ?
■•' IIow are they free whom we had bound, "Upright, whom in the gulf we cast?
"AYhat wondrous h<ilper have they found "To screen them from the scorching blast?
"Three were they— who hath made them four?
"And sure a form divine He wore,
" Even like the Son of God." So cried The Tyrant, when in one fierce flame
The Martyrs liv'd, the murderers died : Yet knew he not what angel came
To make the rushing fire-flood seem
Like summer breeze by woodland stream.*
He knew not, but there are who knoAv :
The Matron, v/ho alone hath stood, When not a prop seem'd left below.
The first lorn hour of widowhood. Yet cheer'd and cheering all, the while, With sad but unafi"ectcd smile ;—
The Father, who his vigil keeps
By the sad couch whence hope hath flown,
* As it had t ^en a moist whistling wind. Sonrj of the lliree Cliildre*, -rer. 27.
183 THE CIIKISTIAN YEAH.
V/atcliing the eye Avhere reason sleeps,
Yet in his heart can mercy own, Still sweetly yielding to the rod, ' Still loving man, still thanking God ; —
The Christian Pastor, bow'd to eartli With thankless toil, and vile esteem'd.
Still travailing in second birth
Of souls that will not be redeemed,
Yet stedfast set to do his jjart.
And fearing most his own vain heart ; —
These know : on these look long and well, Cleansing thy sight by prayer and faith,
And thou shalt knov^ what secret spell Preserves them in their living death :
Through sevenfold flames thine eye shall see
The Saviour walking with his faithful Three.
Hear j-e, O mountains, the Lord's controversy, and ye strong fm tions of the earth. Micah vi. 2.
Where is Thy favour'd haunt, eternal Yoloc,
The region of Thy choice, Where, undisturb'd by sin and earth, the soul
Owns Thy entire control ? — 'Tis on the mountain's summit dark and l\igh.
When storms are hurrying by :
TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TKIXITY. 189
'Tis mid the strong foundations of the earth, Where torrents have their birth.
No sounds of Avorldly toil ascending there,
Mar the full burst of prayer ; Lone Nature feels that she may freely breathe,
And round us and beneath Arc heard her sacred tones : the fitful sweep
Of -winds across the steep, Through wither'd bents — romantic note and clear,
Meet for a hermit's ear, —
The wheeling kite's wild solitary cry.
And, scarcely heard so high, The dashing waters when the air is still
From many a torrent rill That winds unseen beneath the shaggy fell,
Track'd by the blue mist well : Such sounds as make deep silence in the heart
For Thought to do her part.
'Tis then we hear the voice of God within,
Pleading with care and sin : " Ciiild of my love ! how have I wearied thee ?
" Why wilt thou err from Me ? " Have I not brought thee from the house of slaves,
" Parted the drowning waves, " And set my saints before thee in the way,
" Lest thou shouldst faint or stray ?
"What? was the promise made to thee alone? '• Art thou th' excepted one ?
100 THE CHRISTIAN YE.vn.
'* Ad heir of glory -witliout grief or pain ?
" 0 vision false and vain ! *' Tlicre lies thy cross ; "beneath it ipeekly bow
<' It fits tliy stature now: "Who scornful pass it with averted eye,
'' 'Twill crush them by and by.
" Raise thy repining eyes, and take true measure
" Of thine eternal treasure ; " The Father of thy Lord can grudge thee nought,
" The world for thee was bought, " And as this landscape broad — earth, sea, and sky,-
" All centres in thine rjQ, " So all God does, if rightly understood,
" Shall work thy final good."
Cbcut)T-first ^unb'an after ^riuitg.
1 he vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall spe;ik, and not lie: thoush it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely conn;, ;t will not tarrj. JIabalckuli ii. 3.
The morning mist is clear'd away,
Yet still the face of Heaven is grey. Nor yet th' autumnal breeze has stirr'd the grove,
Faded yet full, a paler green
Skirts soberly the tranquil scene. The red-breast warbles round this leafy cove.
Sweet messenger of "calm decay," Saluting sorrow as you may,
TWEXTY-FIRST SUXI ^T AITER TRINITY. 191
As one still bent to find or make tlie best,
In thee, and in this quiet mead,
The lesson of sweet peace I read, Eather in all to be resign'd than blest.
'Tis a low chant, according well
With the soft solitary knell. As homeward from some grave belov'd we turn
Or by some holy death-bed dear,
Most welcome to the chasten'd ear Of her whom Heaven is teaching how to mourn.
0 cheerful tender strain ! the heart
That duly bears with you its part, Singing so thankful to the dreary blast,
Though gone and spent its joyous prime.
And on the world's autumnal time, •Mid wither'd hues and sere, its lot be cast :
That is the heart for thoughtful seer,
"Watching, in trance nor dark nor clear,* Th' appalling Future as it nearer draws :
Ilis spirit calm'd the storm to meet,
Feeling the rock beneath his feet, And tracing through the cloud th' eternal Cause.
That is the heart for watchman true ^Yaiting to see what God will do. As o'er the Church the gathering twilight falls :
*It shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear noi dark. Ztd ariah xiv. 6.
102 THE CHRISTIAN' YEAR.
Xo more lie strains his -wistful eye, If chance the golden hours be nigh, By youthful Hope seen beaming, round her -waHa.
Forc'd from his shadowy paradise,
His thoughts to Heaven the steadier rise: There seek his answer when the world reproves :
Contented in his darkling round,
If only he be faithful found, "When from the east th' eternal morning moves.
Xote: The. exprcntioji, "calm, decay ," is borrowed from a friend : tv tchose hind permission the following stanzas are here inserted.
TO THE EED-EREAST.
Unheard in summer's flaring ray. Tour forth thy notes', sweet singer,
■\Vooing the stilluesa of the autumn day : Bid it a moment linger. Nor fly
Too soon from winter's scowling eye.
The blackbird's song at eventide.
And hers, who gay ascends. Filling the heavens far and wide.
Are sweet. But none so blends^ As thine, With c«lm iecay, and peace divia*
TWENTTl-SECOXD SUNDAY -VFTER TEIXITY. 193
^bcntn-sccouiy ^unbiin after ^niutjT.
Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?
St. Matthew xviii. 21
AYiiAT liberty so glad and gay,
As wliere the mountain boy, Reckless of regions far away,
A prisoner lives in joy ?
The dreary sounds of crowded earth.
The cries of camp or town, Never untun'd his lonely mirth,
Nor drew his visions down.
The snow-clad peaks of rosy light That meet his morning view,
The thwarting cliflFs that bound his sight, They bound his fancy too.
Two ways alone his roving eye
For aye may onward go. Or in the azure deep on high. Or darksome mere below.
0 blest restraint ! more blessed range !
Too soon the happy child Ilis nook of homely thought will change
For life's seducing wild :
Toe soon his alter'd day-dreams show This earth a boundless space, 17
101 THE CIIRISTIAX YEAR.
"With sun-bright pleasures to and fro Sporting in joyous race :
While of his narrowing heart each year. Heaven less and less ■will fill,
Less keenly, through his grosser ear, The tones of mercy thrill.
It must be so : else -wherefore falls The Saviour's voice unheard,
"While from His pard'ning Cross He calls, "0 spare as I have spar'd .'"
By our own niggard rule we try The hope to suppliants given ;
We mete out love, as if our eye SaW to the end of Heaven.
Yes, ransom'd sinner ! wouldst thou know
How often to forgive. How deai-ly to embrace thy foe,
Look where thou hop'st to live :
When thou hast fold those isles of light.
And fancied all beyond. Whatever owns, in depth or height,
Creation's wondrous bond ;
Then in their solemn pageant learn Sweet mercy's praise to see:
Their Lord resign'd them all, to earn The bliss of pardoning thee.
T^VE^'IY-THIRD SUXDAY AFTER TRIXITT. 195
^focntiT-llnrb ^unbiijT after a^nnitjr.
VTho shall change cur vile body, that it may he fashioned like auto His glorious body, according to the workiag wherebj' lie is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. Philippians iii. 21,
Red o'er tlie forest peers the setting sun, The line of yellow light dies fast away
That crown'd the eastern copse : and chill and dun Falls on the moor the brief November day.
Now the tir'ti hunter winds a parting note, And Echo bids good-night from every glade ;
Yet wait awhile, and see the calm leaves float Each to his rest beneath their parent shade.
llow like decaying life they seem to glide !
And yet no second spring have they in store, Cut where they fall, forgotten to abide
Is all their portion, and they ask no more.
Soon o'er their heads blithe April airs shall sing, A thousand wild-flowers round them shall unfold,
The green buds glisten in the dews of Spring, And all be vernal rapture as of old.
Unconscious they in waste oblivion lie.
In all the world of busy life around No thought of them ; in all the bounteous sky
No drop, for them, of kindly influence found.
Man's portion is to die and rise again — Yet he complains, while these unmurmuring part
196 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
With their sweet lives, as pure from sin and stain. As ids when Eden held his virgin heart.
And haply half unblara'd his murmuring voice Might sound in Heaven, "were all his second life
Only the first rcnev/'d — the heathen's choice, A round of listless joy and -weary strife.
For dreary were this earth, if earth were all, Tho' brighten'd oft by dear Affection's kiss ;—
V»'ho for the spangles wears the funeral pall ? But catch a gleam beyond it, and 'tis bliss.
Heavy and dull this frame of limbs and heart, Whether slow creeping on cold earth, or born6
On lofty steed, or loftier prow, we dart
O'er wave or field : yet breezes laugh to scorn
Our puny speed, and birds, and clouds in heaven, And fish, like living shafts that pierce the main,
And stars that shoot through freezing air at even— Who but would follow, might he break his chain*
And thou shalt break it soon ; the grovelling worm Shall find his wings, and soar as fast and free
As his transSgur'd Lord with lightning form And snowy vest — such grace he won for thco,
When from the grave He sprung at dawn of morn, And led through boundless air thy conquering roal,
Leaving a glorious track, where saints, new- born, Might fearless f'^Uow to their blest abode.
TWENTT-FOURXn SUNDAY AFTER, TRINITY. 19<
Cut first, by many a stcni aud fiery blast
The -world's rude furnace must thy blood refine,
And many a gale of keenest woe be pass'd, Till eYery pulse beat true to airs diYine,
Till every limb obey the mounting soul, The mounting soul, the call by Jesus given.
He who the stormy heart can so control. The laggard body soon will waft to Heaven.
The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not inter- meddle with his joy. Proverbs xiv. 10.
"Why should we faint and fear to live alone, Since all alone, so Heaven has will'd, we die,*
Nor even the tenderest heart, and next our own, Knows half the reasons why we smile and sigh ?
Each in his hidden sphere of joy or woe Our hermit spirits dwell, and range apart,
Our eyes see all around in gloom or glow —
Hues of their own, fresh borrowed from the heart
And well it is for us our God should feel Alone our secret throbbings : so our prayer
IMay readier spring to Heaven, nor spend its zeal On cloud-born idols of this lower air.
* Je mourrai seul. Pascal.
108 ■ THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Tor if one lic.art in perfect sympailiy Beat with another, ans^^vering love for love,
Weak mortals, all entranc'cl, oil earth vs'ould lie, Nor listen for those purer strains above.
Or what if Heaven for once its searching light Lent to some partial eye, disclosing all
Tlie rude bad thoughts, that in our bosom's night Wander at large, nor heed Love's gentle thrall ?
Who would not shun the dreary uncouth place ?
As if, fond leaning where her infant slept, A mother's arm a serpent should embrace :
So might we friendless live, and die unwept.
Then keep the softening veil in mercy drawn, Thou who canst love us, tho' Thou read us true :
As on the bosom of th' aerial lawn
Melts in dim haze each coarse ungentle hue.
So too may soothing Hope Thy leave enjoy Sweet visions of long-sevcr'd hearts to frame :
Though absence may impair, or cares annoy, Some constant mind may draw us still the same.
Wc in dark dreams are tossing to and fro, Pine with ji'egret, or sicken with despair.
The while she bathes us in her own chaste glow, And with our memory wings her own fond prayer.
0 bliss of child-like innocence, and love Trie<l to old ngc ! creative power to win,
TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 100
And raise new worlds, where liappy fancies rove, Forgetting quite this grosser world of sin.
Bright are their dreams, because their thoughts are clear, Their memory cheering : but the earth-stained spright. Whose wakeful musings are of guilt and fear. Must hover nearer earth, and less in light.
Farewell, for her, th' ideal scenes so fair — Yet not farewell her hope, since Thou hast deignM,
Creator of all hearts ! to own and share The woe of what Thou mad'st, and "we have stain'd.
Thou know'st our bitterness — our joys are Tliine'^^— No stranger Thou to all our wanderings wild .
Nor could we bear to think, how every line Of us. Thy darken'd likeness and defil'd.
Stands in full sunshine of Thy piercing eye, But that Thou call'st us Brethren : sweet repose
Is in that word — the Lord who dwells on high Knows all, yet loves us better than He knows,
* Thou hast kcown my soul in adversities, Fmlm xxxL 7.
!00 THE CHRISTIAN TEAR.
(LdjcntiT-fiftlj ^unbnn nttcr (Lrinitir.
nu hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of ligh; eousness. Proverbs xvi. 31.
The briglit-liair'd morn is glowing
O'er emerald meadows gay, "With many a clear gem strowing
The early shepherd's way. Ye gentle elves, by Fancy seen
Stealing away with night To slumber in your leafy screen,
Tread more than airy light.
And see what joyous greeting
The sun through heaven has shed, Though fast yon shower be fleeting,
His beams have faster sped. For lo ! above the western haze
High towers the rainbow arch In solid span of purest rays :
How stately is its march !
Pride of the dewy morning !
The swain's expericnc'd eye From thee takes timely warning,
Nor trusts the gorgeous sky. For well he knows, such dawnings gay
Bring noons of storm and shower, And travellers linger on the way
Eesidc the sheltering bower.
TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 201
Even so, in hope and trembling
Should watchful shepherd view His little lambs assembling,
AVith glance both kind and true ; 'Tis not the eye of keenest blaze,
Nor the quick-swelling breast, That soonest thrills at touch of praiso—
These do not please him best.
But voices low and gentle,
And timid glances shy. That seem for aid parental
To sue all wistfully. Still pressing, longing to be right,
Yet fearing to be wrong, — la these the Pastor dares delight,
A lamb-like, Christ-like throng.
These in Life's distant even
Shall shine serenely bright, As in th' autumnal heaven
Mild rainbow tints at night, When the last shower is stealing down.
And ere they sink to rest, The sun-beams weave a parting crown
For some sweet woodland nest.
The promise of the morrow
Is glorious on that eve, Dear as the holy sorrow
When good men cease to live
THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Vriicn Li'iglitening ere it die a-v\'ay Mounts up tlicir altar flame,
Still tending with intcnserray To Ileaveu wlience first it came.
Say not it dies, that glory,
'Tis caught unquench'd on high, Those saintlike brows so hoary
Shall wear it in the sky. No smile is like the smile of death,
When all good musings past Ptise wafted with the parting breath,
The sweetest thought the last.
^nnbiin ucvt bcfcvc g,L)bcut.
Catli'jr up t'le fragments t'aat r^rjain, that notliins be lost.
St. JoIm vi. 12.
Will God indeed with fragments bear, Snatch'd late fi'om the decaying year ? Or can the Saviour's blood enaear The dregs of a polluted life ? "When down th' o'erwhelming current tost .Just ere he sink for ever lost. The sailor's uhtried arms are cross'd En agonizing prayer, will Ocean cease her strife ^
Sighs that exhaust but not relieve, Ilcart-reuding sighs, 0 spare to heave
SUXDAT NEXT BEFORE ADTEXT.
lOi
A bosom freslily tauglit to grieve
For larisli'd hours and love misspent! Now throiigli lier round of lioly thought The Church our annual steps has brought, But vre no holy fire have caught — Back on the gaudy world our wilful eyes were bent.
Too soon th' ennobling carols, pour'd To hymn the birth-night of the Lord, Which duteous Memory should have stor'd
For thankful echoing all the year— Too soon those airs have pass'd away ; Nor long within the heart would stay The silence of Christ's dying day, Profan'd by worldly mirth, or scar'd by worldly fear.
Some strain of hope and victory On Easter wings might lift us high ; A little while we sought the sky :
And when the Spirit's beacon fires On every hill began to blaze, Lightening the world with glad amaze, Who but must kindle while they gaze? But faster than she soars, our earth-bound Fancy tires.
Nor yet for these, nor all the rites, By which our Mother's voice invites Our God to bless our home delights, And sweeten every secret tear: —
204 THE CHRISTIAN YE\A.
The funeral dirge, the marriage vow, The halloA/'d font where parents bow And now elate and trembling now To tlio Rccecmcr's feet their new-found treasures bear : —
Not for the Pastor's gracious arm Strctch'd )ut to bless — a Christian charm To dull the shafts of worldly harm : — Nor, sweetest, holiest, best of all, For the dear feast of Jesus dying, Upon that altar ever lying. Where souls with sacred hunger sighing Are caird to sit and eat, while angels prostrate fall :—
No, not for all and each of these, Have our frail spirits found their ease. The gale that stirs th' autumnal trees
Seems tun'd as truly to our hearts As when, twelve weax-y months ago, 'Twas moaning bleak, so high and low. You would have thought Remorse and Woo Had taught the innocent air their sadly thrilling pai ts.
Is it, Christ's light is too divine, We dare not hope like Him to shine? But see, around Ilis dazzling shrine
Earth's gems the fire of Heaven have cauglit :
ST. ANDREW S DAT.
205
!\Iai-tyr3 and saints— cacli glorious day Davruing in order on our way — Remind us, how our darksome clay May keep tli' ethereal warmth our new Creator brought.
These we have scorn'd, 0 false and frai.! And now once more th' appalling tale, How love divine may woo and fail,
Of our lost year in Heaven is told — What if as far our life were past, Our weeks all numher'd to the last, With time and hope behind us cast, And all our work to do with palsied hands and cold?
O watch and pray ere Advent dawn ! For thinner than the subtlest lawn 'Twixt thee and death the veil is drawn.
But Love too late can never glow : The scatter'd fragments Love can glean, Refine the dregs, and yield us clean To regions where one thought serene Breathes sweeter than whole years of sacrifice below,
f 1. ginbrchj's §n:iT.
He first findetli his ovrn brother Simon, and saith unto him. We have fouud tha Jlessias. . . And he brought him to Jesus. St. John i. 41, 42.
When brothers part for manhood's race, Whit gift may most endearing prove 18
06 THE CIIEISTIAN YEAR.
To keep fouJ memory in her place, And certify a brother's love?
'Tis true, brigM hours together told, And blissful dreams in secret shard,
Serene or solemn, gay or bold, Shall last in fancy unimpair'd.
Even round the death-bed of the good Such dear remembrances will hover.
And haunt us vrith no vexing mood When all the cares of earth are over.
But yet our craving spirits feel.
We shall live on, though Fancy die.
And seek a surer pledge — a seal Of love to last eternally.
Who art thou, that wouldst grave thy name Thus deeply in a brother's heart ?
Look on this saint, and learn to frame Thy love-charm \fith. true Christian art.
First seek thy Saviour out, and dwell Beneath the shadow of His roof.
Till thou have scann'd His features well. And known Him for the Christ by proof;
Such proof as they are sure to find Who spend with Him their happy days,
Clean hands, and a self-ruling mind Ev"?r in tune for love and praise.
ST. Thomas's day. 207
Then, potent witli the spell of Heaven, Go, and thine erring brother gain,
Entice him home to be forgiven, Till he, too, see his Saviour plain.
Or, if before thee in the race,
Urge him vrith thine advancing tread,
Till, like twin stars, with even pace, Each lucid course be duly sped.
No fading frail memorial give
To soothe his soul vrhen thou art gone,
But wreaths of hope for aye to live. And thoughts of good together done.
That so, before the judgment-seat,
Though chang'd and glorified each face,
Not unreraember'd ye may meet IT or endless ages to embrace.
Thomas, because thou hast seen lie, thou hast believed : blessed aic they that have not seen, and yet have believed. St. John xx. 29.
We were not by when .Jesus came,*
But round us, far and near, Tt'c see His trophies, and His name
In choral echoes hear.
* Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didjmus, vas not with them when Jesus came. St. John xx. 24.
2v08 THE CIIUISTIAX YEAR.
In a fair ground our lot is cast, As in the solemn week that past, Wliile some might doubt, but all ador'd,* Ei-e the whole -widow'd Church had seen her riser: Lord.
Slowly, as then, His bounteous hand
The golden chain unwinds, Drawing to Heaven with gentlest band
Wise hearts and loving minds. Love sought Him first — at dawn of mornf From her sad couch she sprang forlorn. She sought to weep with Thee alone, And saw Thine open grave, and knew that Thou wi't gone.
Reason and Faith at once set outj
To search the Saviour's tomb ; Faith faster runs, but waits without.
As fearing to jiresurae. Till Reason cuter in, and trace Christ's relics round the holy place — "Here lay His limbs, and here His sacred head, "And who Avas by, to make his new-forsaken bed?"
Both wonder, one believes — but while
They muse on all at home, No thought can tender Love beguile
From Jesus' grave to roam.
* When the/ saw Ilim, they worshipped Ilim : but some doulted.
SI. Jlalthrw xxviii. ]f t St. Mary Magdalene's visit to the sepulchre. \ St. Peter and St Tohn.
ST. Thomas's day. 209
Weeping she stays till He appear — Her witness fii'st the Church must hear — All joy to souls that can rejoice With her at earliest call of His dear gracious voice.
Joy too to those, who love to talk
In secret how He died, . Though with seal'd eyes awhile they walk,
Nor see Him at their side ; Most like the faithful pair are they, Who once to Emmaus took their way Half darkling, till their Master shed His glory on their souls, made known in breaking bread.
Thus, ever brighter and more bright.
On those he came to save The Lord of new-created light
Dawn'd gradual from the grave : Till pass'd th' inquiring day-light hour, And with clos'd door in silent bower The Church in anxious musing sate, As one who for redemption still had long to wai
Then, gliding through th' unopening door,
Smooth without step or sound, "Peace to your souls," He said — no more —
They own Him, kneeling round. Eye, car, and hand, and loving heart. Body and soul in every part. Successive made His witnesses that hour, Cease not in all the world to show His saving power. 18 «
210 THE CIiniSTIAN TEAB..
Is there, on earth, a spirit frail,
Who fears to take their woi'd, Scarce daring, through the twilight pale,
To think he sees the Lord ? With eyes too tremblingly avrake To bear with dimness for His sake ? Read and confess the Hand Divine That drew thy likeness here so true in every line.
For all thy rankling doubts so sore,
Love thou thy Saviour still. Him for thy Lord and God adore,
And ever do His will. Though vexing thoughts may seem to last, Let not thy soul be quite o'ercast ; — Soon will He show thee all His woi^nds, anJ say, 'Long have I known thy name* — know thou My "face alway."
(TIjc C'Onbcrsioit of ^t. |):juI.
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Sml. Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art Thou, Lord ? Aud the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persccutest. Acts ix. 4, 5.
The midday siin, with fiercest glare. Broods o'er the hazy, twinkling air ; Along the level sand
^' In Exodus xxxiii. 17, God says to Mosss, "I know thee by name ;" meaning, " I bear especial favour towards thee." T.'ias oar Saviour siieaks to St. Thomas by narao in the pIao3 hers rjfjrr^i to.
COXVEESIOK OF ST. i'AUL. 211
The palm-tree's shade un^vavcring lies, Just as thy towers, Damascus, rise To greet yon -wearied band.
The leader of that martial crew Seems bent some mighty deed to do,
So steadily he speeds, With lips firm clos'd and fixed eye, Like warrior when the fight is nigh,
Xor talk nor landscape heeds.
What sudden blaze is round him pour'd, As though all Heaven's refulgent hoard
In one rich glory shone ? One moment — and to earth he falls : What voice his inmost heart appals ?—
Voice heard by him alone.
For to the rest both words and form Seem lost in lightning and in storm,
While Saul, in wakeful trance. Sees deep within that dazzling field His persecuted Lord reveal'd
With keen yet pitying glance :
And hears the meek upbraiding call As gently on his Spirit fall.
As if th' Almighty Son Were prisoner yet in this dark earth, Nor had proclaim'd His royal birth,
Nor his great power begun.
:12 THE cimiSTiAN tear
•=' All ! v/lierefore persecut'st thou Me ?" He lieai'd and saw, and sought to free
His strain'd eye from the sight : But Heaven's high magic bound it there, Still gazing, though untaught to bear
Th' insufferable light.
"Who art Thou, Lord ?" he falters forth :— So shall Sin ask of heaven and earth
At the last awful day. "When did we see Thee suffering nigh,* " And pass'd Thee with unheeding eye?
" Great God of judgment, say !"
Ah I little dream our listless eyes What glorious presence they despise.
While, in our noon of life, To power or fame we rudely press. — Christ is at hand, to scorn or bless,
Christ suffers in our strife.
And though heaven gate long since have clos'd, And our dear Lord in bliss repos'd.
High above mortal ken. To every ear in every land (Though meek ears only understand)
He speaks as He did then.
" Ah ! wherefore persecute ye Me ? '•Tis hard, ye so in love should be "With your own endless woe.
* St. Mattliew XXV. H.
CO:CTERSION' OF ST. PAUL.
=« Eno TV, though at God's right hand I live, " I feel each wound ye reckless give " To the least saint below.
"I in your care my brethren left, '• Not willing ye should be bereft
"Of waiting on your Lord. " The meanest offering ye can make — "A drop of water — for love's sake,*
" In Heaven, be sure, is stor'd."
0 by those gentle tones and dear, When Thou hast stay'd our wild career,
Thou only hope of souls. Ne'er let us cast one look behind. But in the thought of Jesus find
AVhat every thought controls.
As to Thy last Apostle's heart
Thy lightning glance did then impart
Zeal's never-dying fire. So teach us on Thy shrine to lay Our hearts, and let them day by day
Intcnser blaze and higher.
And as each mild and winning note (Like pulses that round harp-strings float
When the full strain is o'er) Left lingering on his inward car lyiusic, that taught, as death drew near.
Love's lesson more and more :
*St. JIatthew x. 4'.
21J
214 THE ciinisTiAN year.
So, as vrc walk our earthly round, Still may the echo of that sound
Be in our memory stor'tl : " Christians ! behold your happy stat j : " Christ is in these, who round you wait ;
" Make much of your dear Lord !"
^Ijc |!uviiicalioiT.
Blessed are t!i3 pure in heart: for ihcy shall S3e God.
St. Mattheic v. 3d
Bless'd arc the pure in heart, For they shall see our God, The secret of the Lord is theirs. Their soul is Christ's abode.
Might mortal thought presume To guess an angel's lay, Such are the notes that echo through The courts of Heaven to-day.
Such the triumphal hymns On Sion's Prince that wait. In high procession passing on Towards His temple-gate.
Give ear, ya kings — bow down, Ye rulers of the earth — This, this is He ; your Priest by grace, Your God and King by ';:irth
THE PURIFICATIOX. 215
No pomp of earthly guards Attends with sword and spear, And all-defying, dauntless look, Their monarch's way to clear ;
Yet are there more with Ilira Than all that are with you — The armies of the highest Heaven, xYll righteous, good, and true.
Spotless their robes and pure, Dipped in the sea of light, That hides the unapproached shrine From men's and angels' sight.
His throne, thy bosom blest, 0 Mother undcfird — That throne, if aught beneath the skies, Beseems the sinless child.
Lost in high thoughts, " whose son "The wondrous Babe might prove," Her guileless husband walks beside, Bearing the hallow'd dove ;
Meet emblem of His vow, Who, on this happy day, His dove-like soul— best sacrifice- Did on God's altar lay.
But who is he, by years Bow'd, but erect in heart,
•16 THE CURISTIAX 1'EAil.
Wliose prayers arc struggling -witli his tears? "Lord, let me now depart.
"No-w hath Thy servant seen " Thy saving health, 0 Lord ; «' Tis time that I depart in peace, "According to Thy word."
Yet swells the pomp : one more Comes forth to bless her God : Full fourscore years, meek widow, she Her heaven-ward way hath trod.
She who to earthly joys So long had given farewell. Now sees, unlook'd for. Heaven on earth, Christ in His Israel.
"Wide open from that hour
The temple-gates are set.
And still the saints rejoicing there
The holy Child have met.
Now count His train to-day. And who may meet Him, learn : Him child-like sires, meek maidens find. Where pride can nought discern.
Still to the lowly soul He doth Himself impart. And for His cradle and His throne Chooseth the pure in heart.
ST. MATTHIAS 3 DAY.
217
^i. paltljius's QajT.
Wherefore of these men -which have companied with vis Jl the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.
Act.«i.2],22.
Who is God's chosen priest? He, T,vlio on Clirist stands \vaiting day and night. Who trac'd His holy steps, nor ever ceas'd, From Jordan banks to Bethphage height :
Who hath learn'd lowliness From his Lord's cradle, patience from His Cross; Whom poor men's eyes and hearts consent to bless; To whom, for Christ, the world is loss ;
AYho both in agony Hath seen Him and in glory ; and in both Own'd Him divine, and yielded, nothing loth, Body and soul, to live and die.
In witness of his Lord, In humble following of his Saviour dear : This is the man to wield th' ui^earthly sword, Warring unharm'd with sin and fear.
But who can e'er suffice — '.Vhat mortal — for this more than angels' task, Winning or losing souls. Thy life-blood's price? The gift were too divine to ask, 19
2 IS THE ciirasTiAN year.
But Thou hast made it sure Vjy Th}' dear promise to Thy Church and Cride, Tbat Thou, on earth, -wouldst aye''^vith her eudure, Till earth to Heaven be purified.
Thou art her only spouse, Whose arm supports her, on AVhose faithful breast Her persecuted head she meekly boAvs, Sure pledge of her eternal rest.
Thou, her unerring guide, Stayest her fainting steps along the wild ; Thy mark is on the bowers of lust and pride, That she may pass them undcfird.
Who then, uncall'd by Thee, Dare touch Thy spouse, Thy very self below? Or who dare count him summoned worthily, Except Thine hand and seal he show?
Where can Thy seal be found, But on the chosen seed, from age to age By thine anointed heralds duly crown'd.
As kings and priests Thy war to wage ?
Then fearless walk we forth. Yet full of trembling, Messengci's of God : Our warrant sure, but doubting of our worth, By our own shame alike and glory aw"d,
Dread Searcher of the hearts, Thou who didst seal by Thy descending Dove
THE AXNUNCIATIOX. 219
Tby servant's choice, 0 lielp us in our parts,
Else helpless found, to learn and teach Tliy love.
^z giuuuucralton cf lljc glcssc^ Virgin gTuriT.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art hi-hly favoured, tlie Lord is ^vith thee : blessed art thou amous women S!. iuhe i. 23.
0 Tnou who deign'st to sympathize With all our frail and fleshly ties,
INIaker yet Brother dear, Forgive the too presumptuous thought, If, calming wayward grief, I sought
To gaze on Thee too near.
Yet sure 'twas not presumption, Lord, 'Twas Thine own comfortable word
That made the lesson known : Of all the dearest bonds we prove, Thou countest sons' and mothers' 1
Most sacred, most Thine own
ov*
When wandering here a little span, Thou took'st on Thee to rescue man,
Thou hadst no earthly sire : That wedded love we prize so dear, As if our heaven and home were here,
T.t lit in Thee no fire.
220 THE CIIKISTIAN \E.\P..
On no sweet sister's faithful breast >Vouldst Tliou Thine aching forehead rest,
On no kind brother lean: But who, 0 perfect filial heart, E'er did like Thee a true son's part, serene ?
Thou wept st, meek maiden, mother mill, Thou wept'st upon thy sinless Child,
Thy very heart was riven : And yet, what mourning matron here Would deem thy sorrows bought too dear
By all on this side Heaven ?
A Sou that never did amiss.
That never sham'd Ilis Mother's kiss.
Nor cross'd her fondest prayer : Even from the tree he dcign'd to bow For her His agonized brow.
Her, His sole earthly care.
Ave Maria ! blessed Maid I Lily of Eden's fragrant shade,
Who can express the love That nurtur'd thee so pure and sweet, Making thy heart a shelter meet
For Jesus' holy Dove ?
Ave Maria ! Mother blest, To whom, caressing and caressd, Clings the Eternal Child:
ST. MARK S DAY.
>21
Favour" (1 beyond Archangels' dreE.m, When first on thee with tenderest gleam Thy new-born Saviour smil'd : —
Ave Maria ! thou whose name All but adoring love may claim,
Yet may we reach thy shrine ; For He, thy Son and Saviour, vows To crown all lowly lofty brows
With love and joy like thine.
Bless'd is the womb that bare Him— bless'd* The bosom where His lips were press'd,
But rather bless'd are they Who hear His word and keep it well, The living homes where Christ shall dwell,
And never pass away.
m. Sarh's gag.
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they dsrarted asunder one from the other. Acts xv. 39.
Compare 2 Tim. iv. 11. Take Mark, and bring him with thee : for he t profitable to me for the ministry.
Oh ! who shall dare in this frail scene On holiest happiest thoughts to lean,
On Friendship, Kindred, or on Love ? Since not Apostles' hands can clasp Each other in so firm a grasp,
But they shall change and variance prove.
* St. Luke xi. 27. 23.
19 •'
222 THE CIIE.ISTIAN TEAK.
Yet deem not, on such parting sad Shall dawn no welcome dear and glad :
Divided in their earthly 'race, Together at the glorious goal, Each leading many a rescu'd soul,
The faithful champions shall embrace.
For even as those mj^sterious Four, ^Yho the bright whirling wheels upbore
By Chebar in the fiery blast,* So, on their tasks of love and praise The saints of God their several ways
Right onward speed, yet join at last.
And sometimes even beneath the moon The Saviour gives a gracious boon,
When reconciled Christians meet, And face to face, and heart to heart, High thoughts of holy love impart
In silence meek, or converse sweet.
Companion of the Saints ! 'Twas thine To taste that drop of peace divine,
When the great soldier of thy Lord Call'd thee to take his last farewell, Teaching the Church with joy to tell
The story of your love restored.
0 then the glory and the bliss, When all that pain'd or secm'd amiss 8h:ill melt with earth and sin away 1
•Tliey turned not vliou tlieywcut; they went every one ctri'sV torwa:i. 2.>/.iVn. 9
ST. nilLIP AXD ST, JAMES.
When saints beneath their Saviour's eye. Fiird Tvith each other's company,
Shall spend in love th' eternal day >
Lei VzQ li-otlierof low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the ricl^ in that he is made low. St. Jamea i. 9, 10.
Dear is the morning gale of spring,
And dear th' autumnal eve ; But few delights can summer bring
A Poet's crown to weave.
Her bowers are mute, her fountains dry,
And ever Fancy's wing Speeds from beneath her cloudless sky
To autumn or to spring.
Sweet is the infant's waking smile. And sweet the old man's rest —
But middle age by no fond wile, No soothing calm is blest.
Still in the world's hot restless gleam
She plies her weary task, Wliile vainly for some pleasant dream
Her wandering glances ask. —
0 Lhame upon thee, listless heart, So sad a sigh to heave,
•22\ Tin: cnnisTiAN ykar.
As if thy Saviour bad no part
In thoughts, that make thee gr.cve.
As if along Ilis lonesome ^Yay lie had not borne for thee
Sad hxnguors through the summei day, Storms on the wintry sea.
Youth's lightning-flash of joy secure Pass'd seldom o'er His spright, —
A well of serious thought and pure, Too deep for earthly light.
No spring was His — no fairy gleam —
For He by trial knew How cold and bare what mortals dream.
To worlds where all is true.
Then grudge not thou the anguish keen "Which makes thee like thy Lord,
And learn to quit with eye serene Thy youth's ideal hoard.
Thy trcasur'd hopes and raptures high-^ Unmurmuring let them go.
Nor grieve the bliss sliould quickly fly "Which Christ disdain'd to linow.
Thou shalt have joy in sadness soon ;
The pure, calm hope be thine, "Which brightens, like the eastern moon.
As day's wild lights decline.
ST. BARNABAS,
Thus souls, by nocture pitcli'd too liigli, By sufferings plung'd too low,
Meet in the Church's middle sky, Half way 'twixt joy and woe,
To practise there the soothing lay That sorrow best relieves :
Thankful for all God takes aAvay, Humbled by all He gives.
The sou of consolation, a Levite. Acts iv. 36.
The world's a room of sickness, where each heart
Knows its own anguish and unrest ; The truest wisdom there, and noblest art.
Is his, who skills of comfort best ; Whom by the softest step and gentlest tone Enfeebled spirits own. And love to raise the languid eye. When, like an angel's wing, they feel him fie by:-
Feel only— for in silence gently gliding Fain would he shun both ear and sight,
'Twixt Prayer and watchful Love his ^eart M- viJing, A nursing father day and night.
226 THE ciiniSTiAX tear.
Such were tlie tender arms, Avlicrc cradled lay, In her sweet natal day. The Church of Jesus ; such the love To to His chosen taught for his dear widow'd Dove
"Warm'd underneath the Comforter's safe wing They spread th' endearing warmth around : Mourners, speed here your broken hearts to bring
Here healing dews and balms abound : Here are soft hands that cannot bless in vain, By trial taught your pain : Here loving hearts, that daily know The heavenly consolations they on you bestow.
Sweet thoughts are theirs, that breathe serenest calms. Of holy oiferings timely paid,* Of fire from Heaven to bless their votive alms
And passions on God's altar laid. The world to them is clos'd, and now they shine With rays of love divine. Through darkest nooks of this dull ear^h Pouring, in showery times, their glow cf "quiet "mirth."
New hearts before their Saviour's feet to lay, This is their first, their dearest joy :
Their next, from heart to heart to clear the way.f For mutual love without alloy :
* Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at tbo Apfstles' feet. Acts iv. 37. t Barnabas took him, and brought him (Saul) to the Apostles.
Acti ix. 27.
ST. BAENACAS. IH
Never so blest, as vrlieii in Jesus' roll They -write some hero-soul, More pleas'd upon his brightening road To wait, than if their own with all his radia\Ke glow'd.
0 happy spirits, mark'd by God and man
Their messages of love to bear,* "What though long since in Heaven yoiu- brows hegan The genial amarant wreath to wear. And in th' eternal leisure of calm love Ye banquet there above. Yet in your sympathetic heart We and our earthly griefs may ask and hope a part.
Comfort's true sans! amid the thoughts of down
That strew your pillow of repose, Sure, 'tis one joy to muse, how ye unknoAvn
By sweet remembrance soothe our woes,
And how the spark ye lit, of heavenly cheer,
Lives in our embers here.
Where'er the Cross is borne with smiles,
Or lighten'd secretly by Love's endearing wiles :
"Where'er one Levite in the temple keeps The watch-fire of his midnight prayer,
Dr issuing thence, the eyes of mourners steeps In h'^ftv^nly balm, fresh gathered there ;
* Acts xi. 22 : xiii. 2.
228 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Thus saints, tliat seem to die in earth's rude sti'ife, Onl/ win double life : They have but left our weary ways To live in memory here, in Heaven by love and praise.
Behold, I w-ll send you Elijah the prophet hefore the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord : and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.
Malachi iv. 5, 6.
Twi ]E in her season of decay The fallen Church hath felt Elijah's eye Dart from the wild its piercing ray : Not keener burns, in the chill morning sky, Tne herald star, Whose torch afar Shadows and boding night-birds fly.
Methinks we need him once again, That favour'd seer — but Avhere shall he be found ?
By Cherith's side we seek in vain, In vain en Carmcl's green and lonely mound : Angels no more From Sinai soar. On Itis celestial errands bound.
But wafted to her glorious place By harmless fire, among the ethereal thrones. His spirit with a dear embrace
ST. JOHN BAniST'S DAT. 229
1 1iee the lovM harbinger of Jesus owns, "Well-pleas'd to view Her likeness true, And trace, in thine, her own deep tones.
Deathless himself, he joys with thee Tj commune how a faithful martyr dies.
And in the blest could envy be, Tie would behold thy wounds with envious eyes, Star of our morn. Who yet unborn'^ Didst guide our hope, where Christ should i-i.^e.
Now resting from your jealous care For sinners, such as Eden cannot know.
Ye pour for us your mingled prayer, No anxious fear to damp Affection's glow. Love draws a cloud From you to shroud Rebellion's mystery here below.
And since we see, and not afar. The twilight of the great and dreadful day,
Why linger, till Elijah's car Etoop from the clouds ? Why sleep ye ? rise and pray, Yc heralds seaFd In camp or field Your Saviour's banner to display.
• Tlic Babe leaped in my womb for joy. 5/. Lun-v i. 44
20
230 THE CHRISTIAN ykar.
"NA'licrc is the lore the Baptist taught, Tlic soul unsAvcrving and the fearless tongue?
The much-endui-ing wisdom, sought Dy lonely' prayer the haunted rocks among ? AVho counts it gain* Jlis light should -wane. So tlic -whole world to Jesus throng?
Thou Spirit, who the Church didst lend Her eagle wings, to shelter in the wild,-j-
Wc pray Thee, ere the Judge descend, With flames like these, all bright and undefil'd, Her watchfires light, To guide aright Our weary souls, by earth beguil'd.
So glorious let Thy Pastors shine. That by their speaking lives the world may learn
rirst filial duty, then divine,J That sons to parents, all to Thee may turn ; And ready prove In fires of love. At .«ight of Thee, for aye to burn.
* He must increase, but I must decrease. SI. John iii. 30.
r Kcvelations xii. 14.
; lie shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and t'ne heart >{ the children to their fathers. Mulachi iv. C.
To 'urn the hearts of tlie fathers to the children, and the disibedieni t>) thi wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lon/ St. Luhe i. 17.
ST. teter's day.
l?A
it. Iclcr's gag.
When Ilerod would havo brought him forth, the same nigl-t rc',:r •was sleeping. Acts xii. 6.
Tiiou thrice denied, yet thrice belov'd,* Watch by Thine own forgiven friend ;
In sharpest perils faithful prov'd, Let his soul love Thee to the end.
The prayer is heard— else why so deep His slumber on the eve of death ?
And wherefore smiles he in his sleep, As one who drew celestial breath ?
He loves and is belov'd again — Can his soul choose but be at rest ?
Sorrow hath fled away, and Pain Dares not invade the guarded nest.
He dearly loves, and not alone :
For his wing'd thoughts are soaring high
Where never yet frail heart was known To breathe in vain Aflfection's sigh.
He loves and weeps— but more than tears
Have seal'd Thy welcome and his love- One look lives in him, and endears Crosses and wrongs where'er he rove :
* St. John xxi. 15-17.
THE CHRISTIAN YEAll.
That gracious chiding look,- Thy call To Avin hiin to himself and Thee,
Sweetening the sorrow of his fall "Which else were ru'd too bitterly.
Even through the veil of sleep it shines.
The memory of that kindly glance ; — Tlie Angel watching by divines
And spares awhile his blissful trance.
Or haply to his native lake
His vision wafts him back, to talk
"With jEsrs, ere his flight he take, As in that solemn evening walk,
"When to the bosom of his friend,
The Shepherd, He whose name is Good,
Did His dear lambs and sheep commend, Both bought and nourish'd with His blood
Then laid on him th' inverted tree,
"Which firm embi'ac'd with heart and arm,
Might cast o'er hope and memory, O'er life and death, its awful charm.
With brightening heart he bears it on, His passport through th' eternal gates.
To his sweet home — so nearly won. He seems, as by the door he waits,
* St. T.uk-) xxii. Gl.
ST. PETER S DAI.
232
The unexpressive notes to licai" Of angel song and angel motion,
■Rising and falling on the ear
Like -waves in Joy's unbounded ocean.
His dream is chang'd — the Tyrant's voice Calls to that last of glorious deeds —
But as he rises to rejoice,
Not Herod but an Angel leads.
He dreams he sees a lamp flasli bright. Glancing around his prison room —
But 'tis a gleam of heavenly light That fills up all the ample gloom.
The flame, that in a few short years
Deep through the chambers of the dead
Shall pierce, and dry the fount of tears, Is waving o'er his dungcon-bed.
Touch'd he upstarts— his chains unbind- Through darksome vault, up massy stair, His dizzy, doubting footsteps wind To freedom and cool moonlight air.
Then all himself, all joy and calm. Though for a while his hand forego,
Just as it touch'd, the martyr's palm, He turns him to his task below ;
The pastoral staff, the keys of Heaven, To wield awhile hi grey-hair'd might, 20-
!3i THE cimisTiAN year.
Then from liis cross to spring forgiven, And follo-w Jesus out of sight.
^t ^f anus's ^ajT.
Ye shall drink iadeed of My cup, and be baptized with tbs baptisa that I am baptized with: but to sit on My right hand, and on My kft, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them lor whom it is prepared of My Father. SI. Matthew xx.
Sit down and take thy fill of joy
At God's right hand, a bidden guest, Drink of the cup that cannot cloy,
Eat of the bread that cannot waste. 0 great Apostle ! rightly now
Thou readest all thy Saviour meant, "What time His grave yet gentle brow
In sweet reproof on thee was bent.
" Seek ye to sit enthron'd by Me ?
"Alas! ye know not what yc ask, " The first in shame and agony, ' " The lowest in the meanest task — " This can ye be ? and can yc drink
*' The cup that I in tears must steep, "Nor from (he 'whelming waters shrink
" That o'er Me roll so dark and deep ?"
" We can — Thine are we, dearest Lord, *' In glory and in agony,
ST. James's day. 235
«' To do and suffer all Thy ^'ord ;
" Only be Tliou for ever nigli."— "Then bo it so— My cup receive,
"And of My -woes baptismal taste: " But for the crown, that angels weave
"For those next Me in glory plac'd,
" I give it not by partial love ;
"But in my Father's book are writ "What names on earth shall lowliest prove,
" That they in Heaven may highest sit." Take up the lesson, 0 my heart ;
Thou Lord of meekness, write it there, Thine own meek self to me impart.
Thy lofty hope, Thy lowly prayer.
If ever on the mount with Thee
I seem to soar in vision bright, AVith thoughts of coming agony,*
Stay Thou the too presumptuous flight : Gently along the vale of tears
Lead me from Tabor's sunbright steep, Let me not grudge a few short years
With Thee tow'rd Heaven to walk and weep :
Too happy, on my silent path,
If now and then allow'd, with Thee
"Watching some placid holy death, Thy secret work of love to see ;
*St. Matthew xvii. 12. "Likewise .hall also the Son of Man suffef cf them." This vas just after the Transfiguration.
230 THE C1II7ISTIAN YEAR.
But oh, most happy, should Thy call, Thy Avclcome call, at last be given —
*' Come where thou long hasf'Stor'd thy all, " Come see thy place prcpar'd in Heaven.
^t. garlbolomclu.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thej iiirJer the fig tree, belicvest thou? thou slialt sea greater things than these. St. John i. 50.
Hold up thy mirror to the sun,
And thou shalt need an eagle's gaze.
So perfectly the polish'd stone Gives back the glory of his rays:
Turn it, and it shall paint as true
The soft green of the vernal earth, And each small flower of bashful hue.
That closest hides its lo^^iy birth.
Our mirror is a blessed book,
^Vhere out from each illum'd page We see one glorious Image look
All eyes to dazzle and engage.
The Son of God : and that indeed
We see Ilim as He is, we know. Since in the same bright glass avo road
The very life of things below. —
ST. BAKTIIOLOMETV. 2o7
Eye of God's ■word!* ■where'er 'we turn
Ever upon us ! thy keen gaze Can all the depths of sin discern,
Unravel every bosom's maze :
Who that has felt thy glance of dread Thrill through his heart's remotest cells,
About his path, about his bed,
Can doubt ■what spirit in thee dwells ?
" What -word is this ? Whence know'st thou me ?' All wondering cries the humbled heart,
To hear thee that deep mystery, The knowledge of itself, impart.
The veil is rai^'d ; who runs may read,
By it's own light the truth is seen, And soon the Israelite indeed
Bows down t' adore the Nazarene.
So did Xathanael, guileless man.
At once, not shame-fac'd or afraid. Owning Him God, AVho so could scan
His musings in the lonely shade ;
^■- "The position before ns is, that we ourselves, and such as we, r.ro tlie very persons whom Scripture speaks of: and to whom, as men, ir; every variety of persuasive form, it makes its condescendins thougli celestial appeal. The point worthy of observation is, to note how a book of the description and the compass which we have represented Scripture to be, possesses this versatility of power; t?iis aje, like that of a portrait, uniformly fixed vpon «t, timi ichere we icill."
M'.Uer"s Bampton Lectures, p. 128.
238 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
In his own pleasant fig-tree's shade, "Which by his household fountain grew,
"Where at noon-day his prayer, he made To know God better than he knew.
Oh ! happy hours of heaven-ward thought I IIow richly crown'd! how well improv'd!
In musing o'er the Law he taught, In waiting for the Lord he lov'd.
"We must not mar with earthly praise "What God's approving word hath seal'd ;
Enough, if right our feeble lays Take up the promise He reveal'd ;
"Tlie child-like faith, that asks not sight, ""Waits not for Avonder or for sign,
"Believes, because it loves, aright — "Shall see things greater, things divine.
"Heaven to that gaze shall open wide, "And brightest angels to and fro
"On messages of love shall glide
"'Twixt God above and Christ below."
So still the guileless man is blest.
To him all crooked paths are straight,
II im on his way to endless rest
Fresh, ever-growing strengths await.*
* They go from strength to strength. Psabri Ixxxiv. 7
ST. 3IATTHEW. 239
God's -witnesses, a glorious host, Compass him daily like a cloud ;
Martyrs and seers, the sav'd and lost, Mercies and judgments cry aloud.
Yet shall to him the still small voice,
That first into his bosom found A way, and fix'd his ■wavering choice,
Nearest and dearest ever sound.
And after these things lie went forth, and saw a paWioan, nci
Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom : and He said unto him, Follow And he left all, rose np, and followed Ilim. St. Luke v. 27, 28.
Ye hermits blest, ye holy maids, The nearest Heaven on earth, Who talk vrith God in shadowy glades,
Free from rude care and mirth ; To whom some viewless teacher brings The secret lore of rural things, The r.ioral of each fleeting cloud and gale, The whispers from above, that haunt the twilight vale :
Say, when in pity ye have gaz'd
On the wreath'd smoke afar. That o'er some town, like mist upraised,
Hung hiding svn and star.
'2\it THE ciirasTiAX ykah.
Then as ye tuvn'd your \veary eye To the green earth and open sky, Were ye not fain to doubt how ^paith could dwell Amid that dreary glare, in this world's citadel?
Cut love's a flower that will not die
For lack of leafy screen. And Christian Hope can cheer the eye
That ne'er saw vernal green ; Then be ye sure that Love can bless Even in this crowded loneliness, Where ever-moving myriads seem to say, G ) — thou art nought to us, nor we to thee — away !
There are in this loud stunning tide
Of human care and crime. With whom the melodies abide
Of th' everlasting chime ; AYho carry music in their heart Through dusky lane and wrangling mart, Plying their daily task with busier feet, Because their secret souls a holy strain repeat.
How sweet to them, in such brief rest As thronging cares afford,
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In thought to wonder, fancy-blest, |
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To where their gracious Lord, |
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In vain, to win proud Pharisees, |
|
|
Spake, and was heard by fell disease*- - |
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* It seems from St. Matthew ix. 8, 9, that the calling of L-Jvi |
took |
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place immediately after the healing of the paralytic in the presea |
J2 01 |
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the riiarisees. |
ST. MATTHEW, 241
But not in vain, beside yon breezy lake, Bade the meek Publican his gainful seat forsake:
At once he rose, and left his gold ;
His treasure and his heart Transferr'd, \vhere he shall safe behold
Earth and her idols part ; AVhile he beside his endless store Shall sit, and floods unceasing pour Of Christ's true riches o'er all time and space. First angel of His Church, first steward of His grace.
Nor can ye not delight to think*
Where He vonchsaf'd to eat, How the Most Holy did not shrink
From touch of sinner's meat; What worldly hearts and hearts impure Went with Him through the rich man's door, That we might learn of Him lost souls to love. And view His least and worst with hope to meet above
These gracious lines shed Gospel light
On Mammon's gloomiest cells, As on some city's cheerless night
The tide of sun-rise swells. Till tower, and dome, and bridge-way proud Are mantled with a golden cloud. And to wise hearts this certain hope is given ; «*No mist that man may raise, shall hide the eye c " Heaven."
* St. Matthew ix. 10.
21
242 THE ciimsTiAX year.
And oil ! if even on Babel sliine
Such gleams of Paradise, Should not their peace be peace divine,
Who day by day arise To loolc on clearer heavens, and scan The work of God untouch'd by man ? Shame on us, who about us Babel bear, And live in Paradise, as if God was not there !
m. glickcl unb all ^n^ds.
Ave thej' not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them whs shall be heirs of salvation ? Uebreics i. li.
Ye stars that round the Sun of righteousness
In glorious order roll, "With harps for ever strung, ready to bless
God for each rescued soul. Ye eagle spirits, that build in light divine,
Oh ! think of us to-day, Faint warblers of this earth, that would combine Our trembling notes with your accepted lay.
Your amarant wreaths were earn'd ; and homcwarJ all,
Flush'd with victorious might, Ye might have sped to keep high festival,
And revel in the light ; But meeting us, weak worldlings, on our way,
Tired er^ the fight begun,
ST. MICHAEL AND ALL AXGELS. 248
Ye turn'J to help us in tli' unequal fray, Remembering "Whose "we were, how dearly wou :
Remembering Ccthlehem, and that glorioua night
When ye, who used to soar Diverse along all space in fiery flight,
Came thronging to adore Your God new-born, and made a sinner's child ;
As if the stars should leave Their stations in the far ethereal Avild, And round the sun a radiant circle Aveave.
Nor less your lay of triumph greeted fair
Our Champion and your King, In that first strife, whence Satan in despair
Sunk down on scathed wing : Alone He fasted, and alone He fought ;
But when his toils were o'er. Ye to the sacred Hermit duteous brought Banquet and hymn, your Eden's festal store.
Ye too, when lowest in th' abyss of woe
He plung'd to save His sheep, ■\Vere leaning from your golden thrcnes to know
The secrets of that deep : But clouds were on His sorrow : one alone
His agonizing call Summon'd from Heaven, to still that bitterest groa;j. And comfort Him, the Comforter of all.
Oh ! highest favour'd of all Spirits create, (If right 0"^ thee we deem)
244 THE CURISTIAN YEAR.
J low didst thou glide on brightening wing elate
To meet th' unclouded b^am Of Jesus from the couch of darkness rising !
How swell'd thine anthem's sound, With fear and mightier joy weak hearts surprising, " Your God is risen, and may not here be found !"
I'ass a few days, and this dull darkling globe Must yield Him from Iler sight ; —
Brighter and brighter streams His glory-robe, And he is lost in light.
Then, when through yonder everlasting arch, Ye in innumerous choir
Tour'd, heralding Messiah's conquering march,
Linger'd around His skirts two forms of fire :
With us they stay'd, high warning to impart;
" The Christ shall come again '• Even as He goes ; with the same human heart,
"With the same godlike train." — Oh I jealous God ! how could a sinner dare
Think on that dreadful day. But that with all Thy wounds Thou wilt be there, And all our angel friends to bring Thee on Thy way ?
Since to Thy little ones is given such grace,
That they who nearest stand Alway to God in Heaven, and see His face,
Go forth at His command. To wait around our path in weal or woe,
As erst upon our King,
ST, Li;i:E. -^-*
Set Thy baptismal seal upon our brow,
Aud waft us heaven-ward with enfolding wing:
Grant, Lord, that when around th' expiring world
Our seraph guardians wait, While on her death-bed, ere to ruin hurl'd.
She owns Thee, all too late, They to their charge may turn, and thankful see
Thy mark upon us still ; I'hen all together rise, and reign with Thee, \nd all their holy joy o'er contrite hearts fulfil !
^i. I^uhr.
O;
I uk8 the bel-ved rlivsician, and Demas, greet you. O.I-.-^i' Demas hath f.rsaken me, having loved this present wo.ld. 1 iJto >i '.Tith nid. 2 Timothy iv. 10, 11
Two clouds before tlie summer gale
In equal race fleet o'er the sky: Two flowers, when wintry blasts assail,
Together pine, together die.
But two capricious human hearts- No sage's rod may track their ways,
No eye pursue their lawless starts Along their wild self-chosen maze.
He only, by whose sovereign hand Even sinners for the evil day •'•■
rka Lo.d hatt made all things for Himself: yea. even ti.e w>cbeo Jif day of evil Procerbs xvi. 1. 21*
*AQ THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Wen made — who rules the -world He plann'd. Turning our -worst His o-wn good way ;
lie only can the cause reveal,
Why, at the same fond bosom fed,
Taught in the self-same lap to kneel Till the same prayer were duly said,
Brothers in blood and nurture too. Aliens in heart so oft should prove ;
One lose, the other keep, Heaven's clue ; One dwell in wrath, and one in love.
lie only knows, — for He can read The mystery of The wicked heart, —
Why vainly oft our arrows speed
When aim'd with most unerring art ;
While from some rude and powerless arm
A random shaft in season sent Shall light upon some lurking harm.
And work some wonder iittle meant.
Doubt we, how souls so wanton change, Leaving their own expcrienc'd rest ?
Need not around the world to range ; One narrow cell may teach us best.
Look in, and see Christ's chosen saint In triumph wear his Christ-like chain ;
No fear lest he should swerve or faint ; "His life is Christ, his death is gain."*
* Pliv'ppians i. 21.
ST. LUKE. ^^<
Two converts, watcliing by liis side, Alike liis love and greetings share ; ,
Luke the belov'd, the sick soul's guide, And Demas, nam'd in faltering prayer.
Pass a few years— look in once more —
The saint is in his bonds again ; Save that his hopes more boldly soar,*
He and his lot unchanged remain.
But only Luke is with him now :— Alas ! that even the martyr's cell,
Heaven's very gate, should scope allow For the false world's seducing spell.
'Tis sad— but yet 'tis well, bo sure, We on the sight should muse awhile.
Nor deem our shelter all secure Even in the Church's holiest aisle.
Vainly before the shrine he bends,
AVho knows not the true pilgrim's part :
The martyr's cell no safety lends
To him, who wants the martyr's heart.
But if there be, who fallows Paul As Paul his Lord, in life and death,
"Where'er an aching heart may call. Ready to speed and take no breath ;
• lathe Epistle to the rhilirrians, "I know that 1 shall abkU -rd continue vith you all :-l count not myself to have appi-chend; i.- chap. i. 25; iii. 13. , . - o
la 2 Timothy, " I have finished my course, &c.. ch. iv. , . S.
2i3 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Whose joy is, to the ■wandering sheep To tell of the great Shepherd's love ;*
To learn of mourners -while they weep The music that makes mirth above ;
Who makes the Saviour all his theme, The Gospel all his pride and praise —
Approach : for thou canst feel the gleam That round the martyr's death-bed plays :
Thou hast an ear for angels' songs, A breath the Gospel trump to fill,
And taught by thee the Church prolongs Her hymns of high thanksgiving still, f
Ah ! dearest mother, since too oft The -world yet -wins some Demas frail
Even from thine arms, so kind and soft, May thy tried comforts never fail !
When faithless ones forsake thy wing,
Be it vouchsaf 'd thee still to see Thy true, fond nurslings closer cling.
Cling closer to their Lord and thee.
* The Gospel of St. Luke abounds most in such passages as the par»- j1 .• of the lost sheep, which display God's mercy to penitent sinners.
t The Christian hymns are all in St. Luke: the Magnificat, B(n«- diotus, and Nun Dipiitt'is.
ST. SIMON AXDST. JUDE. 249
^t. Simoit iinb §i. |fubc.
That je should earnestly contend for* the faith which was once deli- vered unto the saints. St. Jude 3.
Seest thou, how tearful and alone, And drooping like a wounded dove,
The Cross in sight, but Jesus gone, The widow'd Church is fain to rove ?
Who is at hand that loves the Lord ?f
Make haste, and take her home, and bring
Thine household choir, in true accord Tlieir soothing hymns for her to sing
Soft on her fluttering heart shall breathe The fragrance of that genial isle,
There she may weave her funeral wreath, And to her ov,'n sad music smile.
The Spirit of the dying Son
Is there, and fills the holy place With records sweet of duties done,
Of pardon'd foes, and cherish'd grace.
And as of old by two and twoj His herald saints the Saviour sent
* iTzayoivi^eirdai : "be vei-y anxious for it:" "feel for it as for a friend in jeopardy. "
t Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother ! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. St. John xix. 27-
: St. Mark vi. 7; St. like x. 1.
250 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
To soften hearts like morning dew, "Where He to shine in mercy meant ;
So evermore He deems His name
Best honour'd and His way prepared,
"When watching by His altar-flame He sees His servants duly pair'd.
He loves when age and youth are met, Fervent old age and youth serene,
Their high and low in concord set For sacred song, Joy's golden mean.
lie loves when some clear soaring mind
Is drawn by mutual piety To simple souls and unrefin'd,
"Who in life's shadiest covert lie.
Or if perchance a sadden'd heart
That once was gay and felt the spring,
Cons slowly o'er its alter'd part, In sorrow and remorse to sing,
Thy gracious care will send that Avay Some spirit full of glee, yet taught
To bear the sight of dull decay,
And nurse it with all-pitying thought ;
Cheerful as soaring lark, and mild As evening blackbird's dull-toned lay,
"When the relenting sun has smil'd
Bright tlirough a whole December day.
ALL saints' day. 251
These are the tones to brace and cheer
The lonely watcher of the fold, When nights are dark, and foemen near,
"When visions fade and hearts grow cold.
How timely then a comrade's song Comes floating on the mountain air,
And bids thee yet be bold and strong — Fancy may die, but Faith is there.
gill faints' ga]T.
Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Revelations vii. 3.
Why blow'st thou not, thou wintry wind. Now every leaf is brown and sere,
And idly droops, to thee resign'd, The fading chaplet of the year ?
Yet wears the pure aerial sky
Her summer veil, half drawn on high.
Of silvery haze, and dark and still The shadows sleep on every slanting hill.
How quiet shows the woodland scene !
Each flower and tree, its duty done, Reposing in decay serene.
Like weary men when age is won, Such calm old age as conscience pure And self-commanding hearts insure,
252 THE CHRISTIAN TEAR.
Waiting their summons to the slcy, Content to live, but not afraid to die.
Sure if our eyes were purg'd to trace God's unseen armies hovering round,
We should behold by angels' grace
The four strong winds of Heaven fast bound.
Their downward sweep a moment stay'd
On ocean cove and forest glade,
Till the last flower of autumn shed Her funeral odours on her dying bed.
So iu Thine awful armoury, Lord, The lightnings of the judgment day
Pause yet awhile, in mercy stor'd, Till willing hearts wear quite away
Their earthly stains ; and spotless shine
On every brow in light divine
The Cross by angel hands impress'd, The seal of glory won and pledge of pror.ilsM rest.
Little they dream, those haughty souls Whom empires own with bended knee.
What lowly fate their own controls.
Together link'd by Heaven's decree ; —
As bloodhounds hush their baying wild
To wanton with some fearless child.
So Famine waits, and War with greedy eyes. Till some repenting heart be ready for the bkies.
Think ye the spires that glow so bright In front of yonder setting sun.
HOLY COMMUNION. 253
Stand by their own unshaken might?
No — where th' upholding grace is won, Wo dare not ask, nor Heaven would tell, But sure from many a hidden dell, From many a rural nook unthought of there. Rises for that proud world the saints' prevailing prayer.
On Champions blest, in Jesus' name,
Short be your strife, your triumph full. Till every heart have caught your flame. And, lighten'd of the world's misrule, Ye soar those elder saints to meet, Gather'd long since at Jesus' feet, No world of passions to destroy. Your prayers and struggles o'er, your task all praise and joy.
Jiolji CommttuioiT.
0 God of Mercy, God of Might, How should pale sinners bear the sight, If, as Thy power is surely here, Thine open glory should appear ?
For now Thy people are allow'd To scale the mount and pierce the cloud, And Faith may feed her eager view AVith wonders Sinai never knew.
2u4 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Fresli from th' atoning sacrifice Tha -world's Creator bleeding lies, That man, His foe, by Avliom He bled, May take Him for his daily bread.
0 agony of wavering thought
"When sinners first so near are brought!
"It is my Maker — dare I stay ?
" My Saviour — dare I turn away ?"
Thus while the storm is high within 'Twixt love of Christ and fear of sin, Who can express the soothing charm, To feel thy kind upholding arm.
My mother Chui'ch ? and hear thee tell Of a world lost, yet loved so well. That He, by whom the angels live, His only Son for her would give?*
And doubt we yet? Thou call'st again ; A lower still, a sweeier strain ; A voice from Mercy's inmost shrine. The very breath of Love divine.
"Whispering it says to each apart, "Come unto Me, thou trembling heart ;'"■}• And we must hope, so sweet the tone. The precious words are all our own.
* "So God loved the vrorld, that He gavo His onlj'-begotteu Son.' 3!c the sentences in the Communioa Servicf, after the Confession.
t Cuine unto Jle all that travail and arc heavy laden, and I wil." refresh you.
HOLT C0M31UKI0X. 255
Hear tliem, kind Saviour — hear Thy spouse Low at Thy feet renew her vows ; Thine own dear promise she would plead fov us her true though fallen seed.
.She pleads by all Thy mercies, told
Thy chosen witnesses of old,
Love's heralds sent to man forgiven,
One from the Cross, and one from Ilcavon."^
This, of true Penitents the chief, To the lost spirit brings relief, Lifting on high th' adored Name : — •' Sinners to save, Christ Jesus came."f
That, dearest of Thy bosom Friends, Into the wavering heart descends : — "What? fall'n again? yet cheerful rise, J '•'Thine Intercessor never dies."
The eye of Faith, that waxes bright Each moment by Thine altar's light, Sees them e'en now : they still abide In mystery kneeling at our side ;
And Mith them every spirit blest. From .'ealms of triumph or of rest. From Him who saw creation's morn, Of all Thine angels eldest born,
* St. Paul and St. John.
t This is a true saj-ing, and ^^•o^thy of all men to be roceived, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
X If any man sin, we have an Advoco.te with the Father, J';su3 Christ the rishteous.
2.jG the ciikistian year.
To the poor babe, -who died to-day, Take part in our thanksgiving lay, "Watching the tearful joy and, calm, "While sinners taste Thine heavenly balm.
Sweet awful hour! the only sound One gentle footstep gliding round, Offering by turns on Jesus' part The Cross to every hand and heart.
Refresh us, Lord, to hold it fast ; And when Thy veil is drawn at last, Let us depart where shadows cease. With words of blessing and of peace.
f olg gaptisnr. -
Where is it mothers learn their love :- In every Church a fountain springs O'er which th' eternal Dove Hovers on softest wrings.
"What spai'kles in that lucid flood Is water, by gross mortals ey'd : But seen by Faith, 'tis blood Out of a dear Friend's side.
A few calm words of faith and prayer, A few bright drops of holy dew, Shall work a wonder there Earth's charmers never knew.
HOLY BAPTISM. Zi
0 happy arms, -where cradled lies, And re&dy for the Lord's embrace, That precious sacrifice, The darling of His grace !
Blest eyes, that see the smiling gleam Upon the slumbering features glow, When the life-giving stream Touches the tender brow I
Or when the holy cross is sign'd. And the young soldier duly sworn AVith true and fearless mind To serve the Yirgin-born.
But happiest ye, who seal'd and blest Back to your arms your treasure take, With Jesus' mark impress'd To nurse for Jesus' sake :
To whom — as if in hallow^'d air
Ye knelt before some awful shrine — His innocent gestures wear A meaning half divine :
By whom Love's daily touch is seen
In strengthening form and freshening hue. In the fix'd brow serene, The deep yet eager view. — •
Who taught thy pure and even breath To come and go with such sweet grace ? 22 *
THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Whence thy reposing Faith, Though in our frail embrace ?
0 tender gem, and full of Heaven ! Not in the twilight stars on high, Not in moist flowers at even See we our God so nigh.
Sweet one, make haste and know Him t jo, Thine own adopting Father love, That like thine earliest dew Thy dying sweets may prove.
Oh ! say not, dream not, heavenly notes
To childish ears are vain, That the young mind at random floats,
And cannot reach the strain.
Dim or unheard, the words may fall, And yet the heaven-taught mind
May learn the sacred air, and all The harmony unwind.
Was not our Lord a little child, Taught by degrees to pray,
By father dear and mothei mild Instructed day by day?
CATECHISM. 259
And lov'd He not of Heaven to talk
With children in His sight, To meet them in His daily walk,
And to His arms invite ?
What though around His throne of fire
The everlasting chant Be wafted from the serapli choir
In glorj jubilant ?
Yet stoops He, ever pleas'd .0 mark
Our rude essays of love, Faint as the pipe of wakening lark,
Heard by some twilight grove : "
Yet is He near us, to survey
These bright and order'd files.
Like spring-flowers in their best array, All silence and all smiles.
Save that each little voice in turn Some glorious truth proclaims,
What sages would have died to learn, Now taught by cottage dames.
And if some tones be false or low,
What are all prayers beneath But cries of babes, that cannot know
Half the deep thought they breathe ?
In His own words we Christ adore, But angels, as we speak.
2C£ TUE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Higher above our meaning soar Than we o'er children weak :
And yet His words mean more than they, And yet He owns their praise :
Wliy should we think, He turns away From infants' simple lays ?
;OnfirnuitioiT.
The shadow of th' Almighty's cloud
Calm on the tents of Israel lay, While drooping paus'd twelve banners proud,
Till He arise and lead the way.
Then to the desert breeze unrolfd, Cheerly the waving pennons fly,
Lion or eagle — each bright fold A lodestar to a warrior's eye.
So should Thy champions, ere the strife, By holy hands o'er-shadow'd kneel,
So, fearless for their charmed life, Bear, to the end. Thy Spirit's seal.
Steady and pure as stars that beam In middle heaven, all mist above,
Seen deepest in the frozen stream : — Such is their high courageous love.
CONFIRMATION. 201
And soft as pure, and warm as bright, They brood upon life's peaceful hour,
As if the Dove that guides their flight Shook from her plumes a dovrny shower
Spirit of might and sweetness too I
Now leading on the wars of God, Now to green isles of shade and dew
Turning the waste Thy people trod ;
Draw, Holy Ghost, Thy seven-fold veil Between us and the fires of youth ;
Breathe, Holy Ghost, Thy freshening gale, Our fever'd brow in age to soothe.
And oft as sin and sorrow tire, The hallow'd hour do Thou renew,
When beckon' d up the awful choir
By pastoral hands, toward Thee we drew ;
When trembling at the sacred rail We hid our eyes and held our breath,
Felt Thee how strong, our hearts how frail, And long'd to own Thee to the death.
For ever on our souls be trac'd That blessing dear, that dove-like hand,
A sheltering rock in Memory's waste, O'er-shadowing all the weary land.
2G3 THE cnmsTiAN ycAB.
Patrimoitg. >,
TiiEKE is an awe in mortals' joy,
A deep mysterious fear Half of the heart will still employ,
As if we drew too near To Eden's portal, and those fires That bicker round in wavy spires, Forbidding, to our frail desires,
"What cost us once so dear.
"We cower before th' heart-searching eye
In rapture as in pain ; Even wedded Love, till Thou bo nigh,
Dares not believe her gain • Then in the air she fearless springs. The breath of Heaven beneath her wings. And leaves her woodnote wild, and sing3
A tun'd and measured strain.
Ill fare the lay, though soft as dew
And free as air it fall, That, with Thine altar full in view,
Thy votaries would enthrall To a foul dream, of heathen night. Lifting her torch in Love's despite, And scaring with base wildfire light
The sacred nuptial hall.
Far otlier strains, far other fires. Our marriage-offering grace ;
MATRIMOKT.
263
Welcome, all chaste aud kind desires,
With even matron pace Approaching down the hallow'd aisle ! Where should she seek Love's i erfect smile, But where your prayers were learned crcwhile.
In her own native place ?
Where, but on His benignest brow.
Who waits to bless you here ? Living, He own'd no nuptial vow,
No bower to Fancy dear : Love's very self — for Him no need To nurse, on earth, the heavenly seed : Yet comfort in His eye we read
For bridal joy and fear.
'Tis He who clasps the marriage bond.
And fits the spousal ring. Then leaves ye kneeling, hand in hand,
Out of His stores to bring His Father's dearest blessing, shed Of old on Isaac's nuptial bed, Now on the board before ye spread
Of our all-bounteous' King.
All blessings of the breast and womb,
Of Heaven and earth beneath. Of converse high, and sacred home,
Are yours, in life and death. Only kneel on, nor turn away From the pure shrine, where Christ to-'lay Will store each flower, ye duteous lay,
For an eternal wreath.
204 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
l^isitiition nub Communioit of tin ^ith,
0 Youiii and Joy, your airy tread Too lightly springs by SorroAv's bed, Your keen eye-glances are too bright, Too restless for a sick man's sight. Farewell ; for one short life we part :
1 rather woo the soothing art, Which only souls in sufferings tried Bear to their suflFering brethren's side.
Where may we learn that gentle spell ? Mother of Martyrs, thou canst tell ! Thou, who didst watch thy dying Spouse With pierced hands and bleeding brows. Whose tears from age to age are shed O'er sainted sons untimely dead, If e'er we charm a soul in pain; Thine is the key-note of our strain.
How sweet with thee to lift the latch. Where Faith has kept her midnight watch, Smiling on woe :" with thee to kneel, Where fix'd, as if one prayer could heal. She listens, till her pale eye glow W^ith joy, -niild health can never know, And each calm feature, ere we read. Speaks, silently, thy glorious Creed,
Such have I seen: and while they pour'd Their hearts in everv contrite word,
VISITATION OF THE SICK. 2G5
How have I rather long'd to kneel And ask cf them sweet pardon's seal I How bless'd the heavenly music brought, By thee to aid my faltering thought ! "Peace" ere we kneel, and when we cease To pray, the farewell word is, "Peace."
I came again : the place was bright "AVith something of celestial light" — A simple Altar by the bed For high Communion meetly spread, Chalice, and plate, and snowy vest. — We ate and drank : then calmly blest, All mourners, one with dying breath, AVe sate and talk'd of Jesus' death.
Once more I came : the silent room Was veil'd in sadly-soothing gloom, And ready for her last abode The pale form like a lily show'd. By virgin fingers duly spread. And priz'd for love of summer fled. The light from those soft-smiling eyei? Had fleeted to its parent skies.
0 soothe U3, haunt us, night and day. Ye gentle Spirits far away. With whom we shar'd the cup of grace, Then parted ; ye to Christ's embrace, We to the lonesome world again. Yet mindful of th' unearthly strain Practised with you at Eden's door,
266 inE CHRISTIAN year.
To be sung on, "where Angels soar, With blended voices evermore.
^urml of tlje gcair.
And when the Lord saw her, lie had compassion on her, and slid unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And He said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. St. Lulce vii. 13, 14. '
"Who says, the wan autumnal sun
Beams with too faint a smile To liglit up nature's face again. And, though the year be on the wane,
With thoughts of spring the heart be guile ?
Waft him, thou soft September breeze,
And gently lay him down Within some circling woodland wall, Where bright leaves, reddening ere they fall,
Wave gaily o'er the waters brown.
And let some graceful arch be there
With wreathed mullions proud, With burnish'd ivy for its screen, And moss, that glows as fresh and green
As though beneath an April cloud. —
Who says the widow's heart must brea'i, The childless mother sink ? —
BURIAL Oi^ THE DEAD. 20"?
A kinder truer voice I hear,
Which even beside that mournful bier
Whence parents' eyes would hopeless shrink,
Bids -weep no more — 0 heart bereft, How strange, to thee, that sound !
A widow o'er her only son,
Feeling more bitterly alone
For friends that press oflacious round.
Yet is the voice of comfort heard, For Christ hath touch'd the bier —
The bearers wait with wondering eye,
The swelling bosom dares not sigh. But all is still, 'twixt hope and fear.
Even such an awful soothing calm
We sometimes see alight On Christian mourners, while they wait In silence, by some church-yard gate.
Their summons to the holy rite.
And such the tones of love, which break
The stillness of that hour, Quelling th' embilter'd spiri:'s strife — ♦' The Resurrection and the Life
"Am I: believe, and die no more." —
Unchang'd that voice — and though not yet The dead sit up and speak,
2CS THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
AnsTveiing its call; •we gladlier rest Our darlings on earth's quiet breast, And our hearts feel they musti' not break
Far better they should sleep awhile
"Within the Church's shade, Nor wake, until new heaven, new earth, Meet for their new immortal birth
For their abiding-place be made,
Than wander back to life, and lean
On our frail love once more. 'Tis sweet, as year by year we lose Friends out of sight, in faith to muse
How grows in Paradise our store.
Then pass, ye mourners, cheerly on,
Through prayer unto the tomb. Still, as ye watch life's falling leaf, Gathering from every loss and grief Hope of new spring and endless home.
Then cheerly to your work again With hearts new-brac'd and set To run, untir'd, love's blessed race. As meet for tliose, who face to face Over tlic grave their Lord have met.
CIIURCIIIXG OF WOMEN. 2G9
CljurcbiiTg of Momcir.
Is there, in bowers of endless spring,
One known from all the seraph band By softer voice, by smile and wing More exquisitely bland ! Here let him speed : to-day this hallow'd air Is fragrant with a mother's first and fondest prayer.
Only let Heaven her fire impart,
No richer incense breathes on earth : "A spouse with all a daughter's heart," Fresh from the perilous birth, To the great Father lifts her pale glad eye. Like a reviving flower when storms are hush'd on high.
0 what a treasm-e of sweet thought
Is here ! what hope and joy and love All in one tender bosom brought, For the all-gracious Dove To brood o'er silently, and form for Heaven Each passionate wish and dream to dear afi"ecticM given.
Her fluttering heart, too keenly blest.
Would sicken, but she leans ^n Thee, Sees Thee by faith on Mary's breast, And breathes serene and free. Slight tremblings only of her veil declare* Soft answers duly whisper'd to each soothing prayer.
* When the woman comes to this office, the rubric (as it vras altered at the last review) directs that she be dercntli/ apparelhd, i. e., as tlie custom and order was formerly, rcith a white covering or veil. Wheat!/ on the Common P-a3-er, c. xiii. sect. i. .3.
270 TUE CHRISTIAN YEaR.
W'c arc too weak, when Thou dost bless,
To bear the joy — help, Virgin-born! By Thine own mother's first caress, That wak'd Thy natal morn 1 Help, by the unexpressive smile, that made A IleaTcn on earth around the couch where Tnou wast laid !
Comminatioit.
The prayers are o'er : why slumberest thou so long. Thou voice of sacred song ? "Why swell'st thou not, like breeze from mountain cave. High o'er the echoing nave. The white-rob'd priest, as otherwhile, to guide, Up to the Altar's northern side ? — A moui-ner's tale of shame and sad decay Keeps back our glorious sacrifice to-day :
The widow'd Spouse of Christ : with ashes crown'd, Her Christmas robes unbound, She lingers in the porch for grief and fear.
Keeping her penance drear. — 0 is it nought to you ? that idly gay, Or coldly proud, ye turn away ? But if her Avarning tears in vain be spent, Lo, to her alter'd eye the Law's stern fires arc lent.
COMMIXATION. 271
Each awful curse, that on Mount Ebal rang,
Peals -with a direr clang Out of that silver trump, whose tones of old
Forgiveness only told. And who can blame the mother's fond affright,* Who spoi-ting on some giddy height Iler infant sees, and springs with hurried hand Tc snatch the rover from the dangerous strand?
But surer than all words the silent spell
(So Grecian legends tell) When to her bird, too early 'scap'd the nest,
She bares her tender breast, Smiling he turns and spreads his little wing, There to glide home, there safely cling. So yearns our mother o'er each truant son, So softly falls the lay in fear and wrath begun.
Wayward and spoil'd she knows ye : the keen blast. That brac'd her youth, is past : The rod of discipline, the robe of shame —
She bears them in your name : Only return and love. But ye perchance Are deeper plung'd in sorrow's trance : Your God forgives, but ye no comfort take Till ye have scourg'd the sins that in your conscience ache.
0 heavy laden soul ! kneel down and hear Thy penance in calm fear :
* AUiding to a beautiful anecdote in tlie Greek Anthology, torn, i, ISO, ed Jacobs. See -Pleasures of Memory, p. 133.
Zt'l Tii:; ciiiusTiAN yi:au
Witli thine own lips to sentence all tliy sia ;
Then, by the judge Trithin Absolv'd, in thankful sacrifice to part For ever vrith thy sullen heart, Nor on remorseful thoughts to brood, and stain The glory of the Cross, forgiven and cheer'd in vain.
(forms of IJnTiTcr to be «scb at ^ca,
When thou passest throngh the waters, I will be with thee.
Isaiah xliii. 2.
IiiE shoAver of moonlight falls as still and clear
Upon the desert main, As where sweet flowers some pastoral garden clieer
"With fragrance after rain : The wild winds rustle in the piping shrouds,
As in the quivering trees : Like summer fields, beneath the shadowy clouds
The yielding waters darken in the breeze,
Tliovi too art here with thy soft inland tones,
Mother of our ncAV birth ; The lonely ocean learns thy orisons.
And loves thy sacred mirth : When storms are high, or when the fires of war
Come lightening round our course, Thou breath'st a note like music from afar.
Tempering rude hearts with calm angelic force.
lORMS OF PRAYER TO BE USED AT SEA. 273
Far, far away, the homesick seaman's hoard,
Thy fragrant tokens live. Like flower-leaves in a precious volume stor'd,
To solace and relieve Some heart too weary of the restless world ;
Or like thy sabbath Cross, That o'er the brightening billow streams unfurl'd,
"Whatever gale the labouring vessel toss.
0 kindly soothing in high Victory's hour.
Or when a comi-ade dies, In whose sweet presence Sorrow dares not lower.
Nor Expectation rise Too high for earth ; what mother's heart could spare
To the cold cheerless deep Her flower and hope ? but Thou art with him there.
Pledge of the untir'd arm and eye that cannot. sleep :
The eye that Avatches o'er wild Ocean's dead,
Each in his coral cave, Fondly as if the green turf wrapt his head
Fast by his father's grave. — One moment, and the seeds of life shall spring
Out of the waste abyss. And happy warriors triumph with their King
In worlds without a sea,-'-' unchanging orbs of bliss.
* And thf re was no more sea. Eeoelations xxi. 1.
274 TIIK CIir.ISTIAX yeak.
dliiupcbbcr (LrciisoiT.
A3 tliou hast tcstined of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witnesi also at Rome. Acts xxiii. il.
Beneath the burning eastern sky The cross was rais'd at morn :
The widow'd Church to weep stood by, The -world, to hate and scorn.
Now, journejnng westward, evermore
"We know the lonely Spouse By the dear mark her Saviour bore
Trac'd on her patient brows.
At Kome she wears it, as of old
Upon th' accursed hill : By monarchs clad in gems and gold,
She goes a mourner still.
She mourns that tender hearts should bend
Before a meaner shrine, And upon Saint or Angel spend
The love that should be thine.
By day and night her soi'rows fall
Where miscreant hands and rude
Have stain'd her pure ethereal pall With many a martyr's blood.
And yearns not her parental heart,
To hear their secret sighs, Upon whose doubting way apart
Bewildering shadows rise ?
GUNPOWDER TREASON.
"Wlio to her side in peace would cling, But fear to wake, and find
"WJiat they had deem'd her genial wing Was Error's soothing blind.
Slie treasures up each throbbing prayer : Come, trembler, come and pour
Into her bosom all thy care, For she has balm in store.
Ilcr gentle teaching sweetly blends With the clear light of Truth
Th' aerial gleam that Fancy lends To solemn thoughts in youth. —
If thou hast l^v'd, in hours of gloom. To dream the dead are near,
And people all the lonely room With guardian spirits dear.
Dream on the soothing dream at will :
The lurid mist is o'er. That show'd the righteous sulx2ring still
Upon th' eternal shore.
If with thy heart the strains accord,
That on His altar-throne Highest exalt thy glorious Lord,
Yet leave Him most thine own ;
0 come to our Communion Feast : There present in the heart,
Not in the hands, th' eternal Priest Will His true self impart —
27G THE CHRISTIAN YEAIl.
Thus, slioukl thy soul misgiving turn Back to th' enchanted air,
Solace and warning thou may^t learn From all that tempts thee there.
And 0 ! by all the pangs and fears Fraternal spirits know,
"When for an elder's shame the tears Of wakeful anguish flow.
Speak gently of our sister's fall : Who knows but gentle love
May win her at our patient call The surer way to prove ?
Jliug Cljnrlcs lljc P^arfgr.
This is tliankworthj', if a man for conscience toward God endure grie^ sufferins wronsfully. 1 St. Peter ii. 19.
Praise to our pardoning God ! though silent now The thunders of the deep prophetic sky,
Though in our sight no powers of darkness bow Before th' Apostles' glorious company ;
Tlie ^Martyrs' noble army still is ours,
Far in the North our fallen days have seen
How in her woe the tenderest spirit towers For Jesus' sake in agony serene.
Praise to our God I not cottage hearths alone,
An'l shades impervious to the proud world's glare,
KING CHAELES THE MARTYK. 2(7
buch witness yield : a monarch from liis th: one Springs to his Cross and finds his glory there.
Yes : Tvheresoe'er one trace of thee is found, As in the Sacred Land, the shadows fall :
With beating hearts we roam the haunted ground. Lone battle-field, or crumbling prison hall.
And there are aching solitary breasts,
Whose widovv'd walk with thought of thee is cheer'd, Our own, our royal Saint: thy memory rests
On many a prayer, the more for thee endear' d.
True son of our dear Mother, early taught With her to worship and for her to die,
Nurs-d in her aisles to more than kingly thought, Oft in her solemn hours we dream thee nigh.
For thou didst love to trace her daily lore, And where we look for comfort or for calm,
Over the self-same lines to bend, and pour Thy heart with hers in some victorious psalm
And well did she thy loyal love repay ;
When all forsook, her Angels still were nigh, Chain'd and bereft, and on thy funeral way,
Straight to the Cross she turn'd thy dying eye.*
* His Majesty then bade him (Mr. Herbert) withdraw; for he was about an hour in private ^.-ith the Bishop (Juxon) : and being called in Z Bishop went to prayer; and reading also the 27th f =^Pt- °f - Gospel of St. Matthew, which relateth the Passion of our Blessed Sav'our The King, after the Service was done, asked the Bishop, if ' he had made choice of that chapter, being so applicable to his present
24
•J.lii THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
And yearly novr, before the Martyrs' King, For thee she ofifers her maternal tears,
Calls us, like thee, to His dear feet fo cling. And bury in His -wounds our earthly fears.
The Angels hear, and there is mirth in Heaven, Fit prelude of th<^ io}'-, when spirits won
Like thee to patient Faitli, shall rise forgiven,
And at their Saviour's knees thy bright example own.
Clje gcstonitioit of tin ^lon'al ^fimulir.
And Barzillai said nnto the King, IIow long have I to live, tliat I shonld go up with the Iving unto Jerusalem? 2 Samuel xix. 3i.
As when the Paschal week is o'er. Sleeps in the silent aisles no more
The breath of sacred song, But by the rising Saviour's light Awaken'd soars in airy flight,
The while round altar, niche, and shrine, The funeral evergreens entwine. And a dark brilliance cast,
condition ? The Bishop replied, ' Jlay it please your Gracious Majesty, it is the proper lesson for the day, as appears by the Kalcndar ;' which tUo King was much affected with, so aptly serving as a seasonable prep- aration for his death that day." Jlerherts Memoirs, p. 131.
* The organ is silent in many Churches during Passic.i week : and in some it is the custom to put up evergreen boughs at Easter as well as at Christmas time.
THK RESTORATIOX OF THE ROYAL FAMILV. 279
The brighter for their hues of gloom, Tokens of Him, who through the tomb Into high glory pass'd :
Such "svere the lights n,ncl such the strains, When proudly strcam'd o'er Ocean plains
Our own returning Cross ; For "with that triumph seem'd to float Far on the breeze one dirgelike note
Of orphanhood and loss.
Father and King, 0 where art thou ? A greener wreath adorns thy brow,
And clearer rays surround ; 0 for one hour of prayer like thine. To plead before the all-ruling shrine
For Britain lost and found !
And he,* whose mild persuasive voice Taught us in trials to rejoice.
Most like a faithful dove, That by some ruin'd homestead builds, And pours to the forsaken fields
His wonted lay of love :
Why comes he not to bear his part. To lift and guide th' exulting heart ? —
A hand that cannot spare Lies heavy on his gentle breast : We wish him health ; he sighs for rest,
And Heaven accepts the prayer.
* Read Fell's Life of Hammond, p. 233-290. Oxford, 1306.
2^0 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.
Yc-s, go in peace, dear placid spright, 111 spar'd ; but -would we store aright
Thy serious sweet farewell, • ^Ye need not grudge thee to the skies, Sure after thee in time to rise.
With thee for ever dwell.
Till then, whene'er with duteous hand, Year after year, my native Land
Her royal offtSng brings. Upon the Altar lays the crown, And spreads her robes of old renown
Before the King of Kings,
Be some kind spirit, likcst thine, Ever at hand, with airs divine
The wandering heart to seize ; Whispering, " IIow long hast thou to live, *■' That tliou shouldst Hope or Fancy give
" To flowers or crowns like these?"
^Ije gittcssioiT.
1 V as with Mosos, so I will be with thee: I will not fail t? ee, n-.r forsake thee. Joshua i. 5.
The voice that from the glory came
To tell how Moses died unseen. And waken Joshua's spear of flame
To victory on the mountains green, Its trumpet tones are sounding still,
When Kings or Parents pass away.
THE ACCESSION. 231
They greet us -with a clicering thrill Of power and comfort in decay.
Behind the soft bright summer cloud
That makes such haste to melt and die, Our wistful gaze is oft allow'd
A glimpse of the unchanging sky : Let storm and darkness do their worst ;
For the lost dream the heart may ache, The heart may ache, but may not burst :
Heaven will not leave thee nor forsake.
One rock amid the weltering floods,
One torch in a tempestuous night, One changeless pine in fading woods : —
Such is the thought of Love and Might, True Might and ever-present Love,
When Death is busy near the throne, And Sorrow her keen sting would prove
On Monarchs orphan'd and alone.
In that lorn hour and desolate,
Who could endure a crown ? but He, "Who singly bore the world's sad weight,
Is near, to whisper, " Lean on Me : " Thy days of toil, thy nights of care,
" Sad lonely dreams in crowded hall, "Darkness within, while pageants glare
"Around — the Cross supports them al!."
0 promise of undying Love !
While monarchs seek thee for repose, 24-
THE CHRISTIAN VKAH.
Far in the nameless mountain cove
Each pastoral heart thy bounty knows.
Yc, who in place of shepherds true Come trembling to their awful trust,
Lo here the fountain to imbue Yv'ith strength and hope your feeble dust.
Not upon Kings or Priests alone
The power of that dear word is spent ; It chants to all in softest tone
The lowly lesson of Content : Heaven's light is pour'd on high and low,
To high and low Heaven's Angel spake ; " Picsign thee to thy weal or woe,
"I ne'er will leave thee nor forsake."
©rbiintioir.
After this, the congregation shall be desired, secretly in their p ayors, to make their humble supplications to God for all these things: for the which prayers there shall be silence kept for a space.
After which shall bo sung or said by the Bishop (the persoi s to bo ordained Priests all kneeling), "Veni, Creator Spiritus." li^bricM the Office/or Ordering of Priests.
'TwAS silence in Thy temple, Lord,
^Vhen slowly through the hallow'd air
Tlie spreading cloud of incense soar'd,
Charg'd with the breath of Israel's prayer.
'Twas silence round Thy throne on high, "When the last wondrous seal unclos'J,*
* When He had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in .leaven about the space of half an hour. Eex). viii. I.
THE ACCESSION. -"-"
And in the portals of the sky
Thine armies awfully repos'd
And this deep pause, that o'er us; now ^ Is hovering — comes it not of Thee ?
Is it not like a mother's vow,
When with her darling on her knee,
She weighs and numbers o'er and o'er
Love's treasure hid in her fond breast;
To cull from that exhaustless store
The dearest blessing and the best ?
And where shall Mother's bosom find, With all its deep love-learned skill,
A prayer so sweetly to her mind.
As, in this sacred hour and still,
Is wafted from the white-rob' d choir. Ere yet the pure high-breathed lay,
"Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire," Rise floating on its dove-like way.
And when it comes, so deep and clear The strain, so soft the melting fail.
It seems not to th' entranced ear
Less than Thine own heart-cheering call,
Spirit of Christ— Thine earnest given
That these our prayers are heard, and tboy,
Who grasp, this hour, the sword of Heaven, Shall feel Thee on their weary way.
1
-84 TlIK CURISTIAN YEAR.
Oft as at morn or soothing eve
Over the Holy Fount they lean,
Their fading garland freshly weave
Or fan them "vvith thine airs serene,
Spirit of Light and Truth ! to Tliee
We trust them in that musing hour,
Till they, with open heart and free,
Teach all Thy word in all its power.
When foemen watch their tents by night, And mists hang wide o'er moor and fell,
Spirit of Counsel, and of Might,
Their pastoral warfare guide Tliou v.-ell.
And 01 when worn and tir'd they sigli "With that more fearful war within,
"When Passion's storms are loud and high. And brooding o'er remember'd sin
The heart dies down— 0 mightiest then, Come ever true, come ever near,
And wake their slumbering love again, Spiri'. of God's most holy Fear!
|
INDEX. |
|
|
PASS |
|
|
AxB is there ia God's world so drear n, place . |
. 74 |
|
And wilt Thou hear the feverd heart |
. 39 |
|
Angel of wrath! why linger in mid air |
. 72 |
|
As raj-s around the source of light |
. 2S |
|
As when the Paschal week is o'er .... |
. 278 |
|
At length the worst is o'er, and Thou art laid |
. 100 |
|
Awake— again the Gospel-trump is blown |
. 14 |
|
Beneath the burning eastern sky .... |
. 274 |
|
Bless'd are the pure in heart |
. 214 |
|
Creator, Saviour, strengthening Guide . |
. . 137 |
|
Dear is the morning gale of spring |
. 223 |
|
P'ather to me Thou art and Mother dear |
. 87 |
|
Fill high the bowl, and spice it well, and pour |
. 90 |
|
First Father of the holy seed ..... |
. 110 |
|
Foe of mankind I too bold thy race |
. 64 |
|
Go not away, thou weary soul |
. 156 |
|
Go up and watch the new-born rill |
. 105 |
|
(285) 1 |
|
28G ixDEX. |
|
|
AOB |
|
|
IIolJ up thy mirror to the sun |
. 236 |
|
Hues of the rich unfolding morn .... |
9 |
|
I mark'd a rainbow in the north .... |
. 49 |
|
In troublous days of anguish and rebuke |
. IGO |
|
1-! it not strange, the darkest hour |
. 97 |
|
Is tliere, in bowers of endless spring |
. 269 |
|
Is this a time to plant and build .... |
. 165 |
|
It is so— ope thine eyes, and see ... . |
. 182 |
|
It was not then a poefs draam .... |
. 147 |
|
Lessons sweet of spring returning .... |
. 41 |
|
Lord, and what shall this man do . |
. 30 |
|
Lord, in Thy field I work all day .... |
. 134 |
|
3Iy Saviour, can it ever be |
. 117 |
|
Not till the freezing blast is still .... |
. 17 |
|
N'ow is there solemn pause in earth and heaven . |
. . 120 |
|
0 for a sculptor's hand |
. 112 |
|
0 God of mercy, God of might .... |
. 253 |
|
0 hateful spell of Sin ! when fiiends are nigh |
. 145 |
|
0 holy mountain of my God |
. 95 |
|
0 Lord my God, do Thou Thy holy will . |
. 92 |
|
0 Thou who deign'st to sympathize |
. 219 |
|
0 Youth and Joy, your airy tread .... |
2C4 |
|
Of the bright things in earth and air . . . |
22 |
|
Oh! day of days! shall hearts set free . |
102 |
|
Oh! say not, dream not. heavenly notes |
251 |
|
Oh! who shall dare in this frail scone |
221 |
|
On Sinai's top, in prayer and trance |
170 |
|
Praise to our pardoning God! though silent now |
270 |
|
Prophet of God, ari.ie and take .... |
. 158 |
|
Red o'er the forest peers the setting sun |
. 195 |
|
Say, ye celestial guards, who wait .... |
. 32 |
|
INDEX. 287 |
|||
|
PAOB |
|||
|
See Lucifer like lightnins full 77 |
|||
|
Seest thou, liovv tearful and alone . |
. 249 |
||
|
Since all that is not Heaven must fade . |
. |
. 130 |
|
|
Sit down and take thy fill cf joy . |
. 134 |
||
|
Soft cloud, that while the breeze of May |
. 12;^ |
||
|
Star of the East, how sweet art Thou |
. 42 |
||
|
Stately thy walls, and holy are the prayers . |
. 179 |
||
|
Sweet Dove! the softest, steadiest plume |
. G7 |
||
|
Sweet nurslings of the vernal skies |
. 175 |
||
|
Ten cleans'd, and only one remain .... 173 | |
|||
|
'Tis gone, that bright and orbed blaze . |
. . 12 1 |
||
|
'Tis true, of old th' unchanging sun |
. 34 |
||
|
The bright-hair'd morn is glowing . |
. 200 |
||
|
The clouds that wrap the setting sun |
. 142 |
||
|
The Earth that in her genial breast |
125 |
||
|
The heart of childhood is all mirth |
46 |
||
|
Th' historic Muse, from age to age . |
82 |
||
|
The live-long night we've toil'd in vain |
151 |
||
|
The midday sun, with fiercest glare |
210 |
||
|
The morning mist is clear'd away . |
190 |
||
|
The praj'ers are o'er : why slumberest thou so lonj |
; • |
270 |
|
|
The shadow of th' Almighty's cloud |
260 |
||
|
The shower of moonlight falls as still and clear |
272 |
||
|
The Son of God in doing good |
167 |
||
|
The voice that from the glory came |
280 |
||
|
The world's a room of sickness, where each heart |
2-J5 |
||
|
The year begins with Thee .... |
36 |
||
|
There are. v-ho darkling and alone .... |
ftS |
||
|
There is an awe in mortals' joy .... |
262 |
||
|
There is a book, who runs may read |
61 |
||
|
They know th' Almighty's power . |
52 |
||
|
Thou first-born of the year's delight |
107 |
||
|
Thou thrice denied, yet thrice belov'd |
231 |
||
|
'Twas silence in Thy temple, Lord . |
282 |
||
|
Twice in her season of decay |
223 |
||
|
Two clouds before the summer gal} |
245 |
||
|
W ike, arm divine! awakf ... 55 1 |
|
288 INDEX. |
rtqc |
|
|
Wo were not by when Jesus came |
207 |
|
|
\\\Al may I guess and feei |
115 |
|
|
WlKit liberty so glad and gay . . ■■ . |
■ 193 |
|
|
What suddeu blaze of song |
25 |
|
|
What went ye out to see |
20 |
|
|
AVh-^n bitter thoughts, of conscience born |
153 |
|
|
When brothers part for manhood's race |
205 |
|
|
"Wlien God of old came down from Heaven |
VIS |
|
|
When nature tries her finest touch . . . . . |
79 |
|
|
When Persecution's torrent blaze |
18G |
|
|
Where is it mothers learn their love .... |
. 25G |
|
|
Where is the land with milk and honey flowing . |
140 |
|
|
AVhcre is Thy fovour'd haunt, eternal Voice . |
188 |
|
|
Who is God's chosen priest |
. 217 |
|
|
Who says, the wan autumnal sun . . ■ . |
26G |
|
|
Why blow'st thou not, thou wintry wind |
251 |
|
|
Why doth my Saviour weep |
103 |
|
|
Why should we faint and fear to live along . |
. 197 |
|
|
Will God indeed with fragments bear |
. 202 |
|
|
Wish not, dear friends, my pain away .... |
177 |
|
|
Ye hermits blest, ye holy maids . . . " . |
23n |
|
|
Ye stars that round the Sun of righteousness |
241 |
|
|
Ye whose hearts are beating high |
8:- |
|
|
Yes — deep within and deeper yet |
cz- |
|
|
THE END. |
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